Incontinence system

ABSTRACT

Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may provide an incontinence pad that includes projection, such as a raised ridge, or a short length projection, that extends from a pad base of and effects application of a force against the urethra of a user (the force, typically upward, that may result from sitting by the user and/or tight fitting shorts and/or pulling a cord attached to the projection); the projection may act to transfer a force from the projection to the urethra. This force may partially or entirely obstruct flow of urine through, or out of the urethra, that might occur otherwise (i.e., without the projection). Another example of the many independent aspects of the inventive technology relates to the provision, as part of an incontinence pad, of a cord that is attached to part of the pad, such as (in only certain embodiments) the aforementioned upward projection.

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Nonprovisionalapplication Ser. No. 14/975,430, filed Dec. 18, 2015 and issuing as U.S.Pat. No. 9,629,756 on Apr. 25, 2017, which is a continuation applicationof U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 14/078,143, filed Nov. 12,2013, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,314,382 on Apr. 19, 2016, and ofPCT Patent Application No. PCT/US14/65075 filed Nov. 11, 2014; each ofsaid applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The inventive technology disclosed herein has application in the fieldof mitigating urinary incontinence, and in the related field ofmitigating the discomfort and visual impact of urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND ART

Many men and women suffer from urinary incontinence, to varying degrees,and for various reasons. Whether their particular case is extreme ormild, of long duration or of recent onset, constant or discontinuous,and regardless of the cause, urinary incontinence may pose a significantembarrassing and/or uncomfortable health related challenge. As such,mitigation of urinary incontinence, and of the discomfort and visualimpact of urinary incontinence, has long been the goal of many differentapparatus and medically related techniques. Indeed, there are numerousdifferent types of incontinence pads (including but not limited to pads,guards, pouches, briefs, and diapers) available for men and women.However, while some conventional pads may indeed effectively capture andretain leaked urine, conventional pads, in focusing only on capture ofurinary emissions, do not properly address mitigation of theincontinence itself, i.e., reducing the frequency of emissions and/orreducing the amount of urine leaked during an incontinence event. Evenas to those pads that do effectively capture and retain leaked urine,there are still improvements that can be made. Particular shortcomingsof conventional pads relative to fluid retention may relate, forexample, to fluid spill-out (i.e., leakage of fluid out of the pad alongthe edges of the pad) and uncomfortable, perhaps noisingly embarrassingfluid slosh (from leaf to right, or vice versa, within the pad), whichoften may occur while the user is sitting, or moving during sitting.And, perhaps more significantly, as mentioned, conventional pads tendnot to provide any mechanism for mitigating the incontinence itself. Itis of note that the incontinence mitigation that is achieved via certainembodiments of the inventive technology disclosed herein may haveconventionally been achieved only via surgery. As such, particularembodiments of the inventive technology may achieve a desired degree ofincontinence mitigation via measures—wearing of an inventive pad—thatare much less drastic and interfering than surgery.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may provide anincontinence pad (whether it contains fluid retention capabilities ornot) that features a projection, such as a raised ridge, or a shortlength projection (or even a short length projection atop a raisedridge), that extends (e.g., upward, when the pad is worn) from a padbase (typically the bottom portion of a pad, when worn) and effectsapplication of a force against the urethra of a user (perhaps uponsitting by the user and/or pulling a cord attached to the projection,thereby transferring an upward force from the projection to theurethra). This force may obstruct the flow of urine through, or out ofthe urethra. Particular independent aspects of the inventive technologymay relate to the provision, as part of an incontinence pad, of a cordthat is attached to part of the pad, such as an upward projection (e.g.,a raised ridge). Other independent aspects of the inventive technologymay include, but are not limited to, a secondary fluid retention element(to enable improved fluid retention), directionally biasing at least aportion of the pad through action of a cord, a targeted pressure element(e.g., a projection, whether it be a raised ridge, a short lengthprojection, a short length projection atop a raised ridge, or other),creating a targeted pressure increase (e.g., via the targeted pressureelement), a urethral compressor (e.g., an element of the pad thatcompresses a urethra, whether of a male or of a female, during wearingof the pad), a nerve trigger element (e.g., a projection) that maytrigger a nerve reaction that may result in a mitigation/reduction ofincontinence related emissions, a longitudinal absorbency separator(that may split retained fluid into two different fluid retentionelements (a right and a left, for example)), a substantiallyperpendicular structure (e.g., a type of projection that may effectapplication of a seating-based force to a perineum of a pad wearer), alocationally separate secondary fluid retention element that may providefor ancillary or backup retention of overfill or overflow emissions, ashort length projection that may effect force application against aperineum of a user, and an overflow absorbent portion, a comparativelysupport area absorbent portion and a fluidic communicator between thetwo.

Objects of the various aspects of the inventive technology are asdescribed below and elsewhere in the application.

It may be an object of at least one embodiment of the raised ridgeaspect of the inventive technology to allow for targeted application offorce to the urethra, thereby effecting blockage or at least obstructionof flow of urine therethough.

It may be an object of at least one embodiment of the cord aspect of theinventive technology to allow for manual application of force to a padcomponent (e.g., a raised ridge), thereby effecting an increase inpressure applied by a pad component (e.g., a targeted pressure elementsuch as a projection (e.g., a raised ridge or a short lengthprojection)), thereby effecting blockage or at least flow obstructionthrough a urethra and mitigating the effects/impact of incontinence.

It may be an object of at least one embodiment of the directional biasaspect of the inventive technology to effect application of force to apad component thereby effecting blockage or at least flow obstructionthrough a urethra.

It may be an object of at least one embodiment of the targeted pressureelement aspect of the inventive technology to apply pressure to aurethra of a user (e.g., whether by applying pressure to the perineum ofa male user or directly to the urethral opening of a female user of thepad), thereby effecting partial obstruction or full blockage of flowtherefrom.

It may be an object of at least one embodiment of the urethralcompressor (e.g., a projection) aspect of the inventive technology toapply pressure to a urethra of a user. Such pressure may come from,e.g., pulling on a manually graspable cord portion, sitting, or even viaa directional bias element.

It may be an object of at least one embodiment of the nerve triggerelement aspect of the inventive technology to trigger a nerve that, whentriggered, reduces urinary flow (as compared to what flow would beotherwise during an incontinent event), whether by effecting sphincterclosure or otherwise.

It may be an object of at least one embodiment of the longitudinalabsorbency separator aspect of the inventive technology to separatereleased emissions into two retention areas—a right side and a leftside, thereby mitigating slosh or retained fluid (e.g., during sitting)and/or mitigating leakage of fluid from the pad.

It may be an object of at least one embodiment of the substantiallyperpendicular structure aspect of the inventive technology to applypressure to a urethra of a user

It may be an object of at least one embodiment of the locationallyseparate secondary fluid retention element aspect of the inventivetechnology to provide for an area for overflow from a primary fluidretention element (overflow may occur during sitting, or shortly afteran incontinence emission).

It may be an object of at least one embodiment of the separate perineumretention element aspect of the inventive technology to provide forsecondary fluid retention in the area of the perineum, thereby providingbenefits relative to an increase in the amount of stored fluid, forexample.

It may be an object of at least one embodiment of the short lengthprojection aspect of the inventive technology to provide for applicationof a force to a urethra of a user (particularly at the opening of theurethra of a female user, but also possible at the perineum of a maleuser).

It may be an object of at least one embodiment of the overflow absorbentportion (with a compressible support area absorbent portion and fluidiccommunicator portion) aspect of the inventive technology to improvefluid retention and/or prevent or reduce leakage that might otherwiseoccur.

It may be an object of at least one embodiment of the inventivetechnology to provide for mitigation of urinary incontinence vianon-surgical measures.

Of course, further objects, advantages, and goals of the inventivetechnology may be as described elsewhere in this application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view drawing of an embodiment of anincontinence pad with a raised ridge from a substantial center of thepad to a substantial posterior end of the pad. One way in which this padmay be formed is via the instructions provided herein that operate on apad with adhesive on one side.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view drawing of an embodiment of anincontinence pad with a raised ridge from a substantial center of thepad to a substantial posterior end of the pad. The additional cordportion is shown in dashed line (center, mid-height of ridge, althoughit may also be nearer to or at the top or bottom of the ridge); it isnot visible to the naked eye in this particular embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view drawing of an embodiment of anincontinence pad featuring a short length projection.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view drawing of an embodiment of anincontinence pad featuring a short length projection atop a raised ridge(each is a projection alone, and together both form a type ofprojection).

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view drawing of an embodiment of anincontinence pad featuring a substantially longitudinal absorbencyseparator (shown in dashed line, and perhaps not discernible to thenaked eye because it may be entirely within the pad). Such feature maybe found in conjunction with any of the independent inventive aspects ofthe pad disclosed elsewhere herein (e.g., in conjuction with aprojection, and/or a cord), or in isolation. The majority of the lowerportion of the dashed line is towards the bottom of the pad, while theupper portion is towards the upper layer of the pad. If there were aprojection, the separator may, but need not, continue upwards throughthe bulk of the projection to achieve absorbency separation (into, e.g.,right and left halves) within such projection also.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view drawing of an embodiment of anincontinence pad having a compressible support area absorbent and anoverflow absorbent, and a fluidic communicator therebetween (shown indashed lines, and perhaps not discernible to the naked eye). Suchfeature may be found in conjunction with any of the independentinventive aspects of the pad disclosed elsewhere herein (e.g., inconjunction with a projection, and/or a cord), or in isolation.

FIG. 7 shows an overhead view (from above) drawing of an embodiment ofan incontinence pad having a short length projection and a manuallygraspable cord.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C show overhead view drawings of an embodiment of anincontinence pad. FIGS. 8A and 8B show pads with short lengthprojections, while FIG. 8C shows a pad with a raised ridge.

FIG. 9 shows a drawing from below of an embodiment of an incontinencepad.

FIG. 10 shows an overhead view drawing of an embodiment of anincontinence pad featuring a raised ridge.

FIG. 11A shows a rear view drawing of an embodiment of an incontinencepad featuring a raised ridge.

FIG. 11B shows a frontal view (view from the front) drawing of anembodiment of an incontinence pad.

FIG. 12A shows a rear view drawing of an embodiment of an incontinencepad featuring a short length projection.

FIG. 12B shows a frontal view drawing of an embodiment of anincontinence pad.

FIG. 13 shows a left side view drawing of an embodiment of anincontinence pad featuring a raised ridge.

FIG. 14 shows a left side view drawing of an embodiment of anincontinence pad featuring a raised ridge.

FIG. 15 shows a left side view drawing of an embodiment of anincontinence pad featuring a short length projection.

FIG. 16A shows a longitudinal cross-section (cut into equal right andleft halves down a longitudinal axis defined by the pad) view drawing ofan embodiment of an incontinence pad featuring a substantiallylongitudinal absorbency separator.

FIG. 16B shows a longitudinal cross-section view drawing of anembodiment of an incontinence pad featuring a cord without a manuallygraspable portion (but with a bias element).

FIG. 17A shows a longitudinal cross-section view drawing of anembodiment of an incontinence pad featuring a comparatively more rigidsupport for the raised ridge, and a compressible support area absorbentportion, an overflow absorbent portion, and a fluidic communicatortherebetween.

FIG. 17B shows a longitudinal cross-section view drawing of anembodiment of an incontinence pad featuring a short length projection,and a compressible support area absorbent portion, an overflow absorbentportion, and a fluidic communicator therebetween.

FIG. 18A shows an overhead view drawing of an embodiment of aconventional incontinence pad that can be formed (perhaps even by apurchaser thereof) into a novel inventive pad with a raised ridge (andperhaps a cord) as described herein. The arrows show the direction(downward and rotationally inward (about a longitudinal axis) a portionof the pad may be folded in order to create a raised ridge (perhapsabout a cord, as shown).

FIG. 18B shows an overhead view drawing of an embodiment of an inventiveincontinence pad formed according to FIG. 18A (and relatedinstructions). Arrows show the direction in which parts of the pad maybe folded to put the entire pad in a configuration for shipping, storageand/or sale (e.g., the lower half may be folded up into the upper half).

FIG. 19 shows a mid-sagittal plane view cross-section of an embodimentof an inventive pad while being worn by a male. Note that profiles of abuttock, leg, shoulder and arm, while not visible in a pure mid-sagittalplane view, are nonetheless shown for clarity of presentation to theviewer and to help orient the viewer. Note also that the bulge appearingat the bottom of the pad is “push-out” of the ridge as it is forcedagainst skin of the wearer.

FIG. 20 shows a mid-sagittal plane view cross-section of an embodimentof an inventive pad while being worn by a female. As with FIG. 19, theprofiles of a buttock, leg, shoulder and arm, while not visible in apure mid-sagittal plane view, are nonetheless shown for clarity ofpresentation to the viewer and to help orient the viewer. Note also thatthe bulge appearing at the bottom of the pad is “push-out” of theprojection as it is forced against skin of the wearer.

FIG. 21 shows a left side perspective view photograph of an embodimentof an inventive pad featuring a raised ridge and a manually graspablecord.

FIG. 22 shows a right side perspective view photograph of an embodimentof an inventive pad featuring a raised ridge and a manually graspablecord.

Note that each the features shown in the figures are not necessarilyrequired features (for example, elastic cuffs are shown in many of thepads depicted in the drawings and are indeed preferred, but they are notrequired features in inventive pads). Indeed, it is only the scope ofthe claims that limit the breadth of the inventive technology. It isalso of note that all appearances, in the drawings, of a particularcomponent (where that component is called out or referenced with anumber in the written description below) might not be called out in thefigures with that number. Further, a particular part as shown in thedrawings can serve as an exemplary type of more than one named (andperhaps numbered) component. For example, the raised ridge is a type ofprojection; it is also a type of nerve trigger element.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

At least one embodiment of the inventive technology may be described asan incontinence pad 1 that comprises a base 2 having an outer (skindistal, or clothing proximal) surface 3 capable of being established(upon being “donned” by a user) against clothing of a user when theincontinence pad is worn by the user, with the base having a centerline4 (e.g., a longitudinal centerline, that perhaps passes within amid-sagittal plane of the user/wearer of the pad); a raised ridge 5established above part of the base on at least a portion of thecenterline; and an inner (skin proximal, or clothing distal) surface 6capable of being established adjacent skin of the user when theincontinence pad is worn by the user. The base, in certain embodiments,may constitute the bulk of the pad. It may, in certain embodiments, atleast appear visually as being similar if not identical toconventionally available pads (note that particular inventive aspects,e.g., a projection, a cord, an absorbency separator, a secondaryretention element, etc., may be added onto or incorporated within thebase). The raised ridge may be raised above (or closer to the skin ofthe pad user than) the surface of the base that is towards skin of thewearer. The term ridge does not require any particular shape. Inpreferred embodiments, it may have a length in a mid-sagittal plane ofthe pad user that is greater than its width (the left to right (withrespect to a pad user) distance of the ridge) (see, e.g. FIGS. 1, 2, 8C,13, 14, 16A, and 17A). In certain embodiments, the ridge may, perhaps(but not necessarily) in coordination with other possible independentinventive aspects (e.g., attached cord), effect pressurization against aurethra of the user (particularly a male user). Such pressurization mayeffectively mitigate incontinence via physical blockage (perhaps onlypartially, but ideally completely) of urine flow therethrough. It maypressurize the urethra from a side thereof, perhaps forcing it againstbone or tissue (e.g., pubic symphysis, or other part of the pelvis) thatobstructs movement of the urethra in the direction of the pressure(and/or perhaps the urethra is akin to a taut string that, because ofits tension, is substantially immovable in the direction of thepressure). In this manner, the inner walls of the urethra may be forcedtowards one another to at least partially obstruct flow. In certainembodiments, urethral flow may be obstructed by application of pressureat the urethral opening.

More particularly as to surfaces of the certain pad embodiments, theinner surface (configured for establishment against skin of a paduser/wearer) may comprise a base inner surface 8 and a raised ridgeinner surface 9. The outer surface may be liquid impermeable (so as toprevent passage of liquid to clothing outside of the pad); it may be aliquid impermeable outer layer 10. In certain embodiments, part of theinner surface of the pad may be a liquid impermeable inner surface. Ofcourse, in such embodiments, the entirety of the inner surface is notliquid impermeable (as urine must pass into the pad to be retainedthereby). Indeed, for retention of urine emissions, the base maycomprise a liquid absorbent material 12 (whether it be entirely liquidabsorbent, or include such liquid absorbent material only in a portionor portions thereof). Note that a portion of, or the entirety of theinner surface of the pad may be one way liquid impermeable (liquid canenter from the interior of the space defined by the pad when worn, butcannot pass from the pad towards the interior of the space defined bythe pad (i.e., towards the skin of the user).

In particular embodiments, at least part of the base and at least partof the raised ridge are of the same material (e.g., as where the ridgeis fabricated as a formed, perhaps molded part of the material of thebase). Accordingly, in such embodiments, an inner, skin proximateportion of the base and an inner, skin proximate portion of the raisedridge may be different portions of the same layered, sheet likematerial. The raised ridge may comprise a comparatively more rigidsupport component 13 (i.e., compared to the upper portions of the raisedridge) that provides support for it; the comparatively more rigidsupport component may be established below the same layered, sheet likematerial. Examples of such comparatively more rigid support componentinclude but are not limited to cardboard, foam, plastic, dried fiber,and reinforced material generally. In embodiments where the base and theraised ridge are discrete pad components, still, in such embodiments,the raised ridge may comprise a comparatively more rigid material thatprovides support for it. However, in certain embodiments, there mightnot be a comparatively more rigid support component; indeed, support forthe raised ridge may be provided by same material that makes up the bulkof the interior of the raised ridge. This may be as seen in the casewhere the raised ridge is formed by pinching together adjacentcomponents of the base of the pad (such pinched together portions may beheld together via adhesive (perhaps at interposing faces that would bealong the longitudinal centerline of the completed pad), or stitching,as but two examples).

More particularly as to shape, size and configuration of the ridge, incertain embodiments, it may have one end that terminates substantiallyat a longitudinal end (e.g., a posterior end 15, towards the rear of theuser) of the pad and another end that terminates at a non-end portion 16of the pad. Regardless of where the anterior end of the raised ridge issituated, in certain embodiments, with respect to the pad wearer, theposterior end of the raised ridge may terminate in the interglutealcleft of the wearer when the pad is worn by said user (wearer). Incertain embodiments, this may be below, at, or above the anus of a userwhen the pad is worn by the user. In particular embodiments, a posteriorend of the pad terminates higher (above ground that a wearer of the padis standing on) than does the posterior end of the raised ridge of thepad. Note that the raised ridge typically is longer (front to back) thanany short length projection (whose length is specified below). However,a raised ridge is a type of projection (where projection is notspecified as short length).

Note that any of the features indicated in this specification may befeatured relative to a pad base having a wide variety of shapes(including but not limited to triangular, rectangular, polygonal,perhaps with curved corners, curved, scooped, bucket shaped, and any ofthose shapes found in conventional pads).

Further, as to shape/size of the raised ridge, the raised ridge may bethe to have a cross-sectional shape in a coronal plane (an anatomicalplane of the body of the user) when worn by a user. Such shape may betriangular, half-circular disc shaped, block shape and chamfered edgeblock shape, as but a few examples. It may be small (in width in thecoronal plane cross-section) enough to allow for effectivepressurization of at least part of the perineum by the raised ridge. Inparticular embodiments, the raised ridge may have a front end to rearend length that is less than a front end to rear end length of a normalor typical perineum of a user. In others, the raised ridge may have afront end to rear end length that is greater than a front end to rearend length of a typical user's perineum. In others, the length may besubstantially the same (i.e., the length of the raised ridge may bewithin +/−5% of the typical front to rear length of a perineum). In anyevent, in preferred embodiments of the inventive technology featuring araised ridge, the raised ridge is positioned on the base portion suchthat at least part of the raised ridge is established under the perineumduring use of the pad by the user. Ways in which pressure may be appliedto the perineum by the ridge include but are not limited to: sitting onthe pad (by a user/wearer thereof), pressure application oftight-fitting clothing (e.g., briefs) worn around the pad, andtensioning of the raised ridge (perhaps by operation of a cord attachedthereto) that effects upward pressure of the raised ridge on theperineum.

As discussed, in particular embodiments, a raised ridge may beconfigured to apply a flow blocking pressure to the urethra of the userduring use of the pad by the user, when the user is in a seated position(or via other mechanisms as explained immediately above). In suchembodiments, a height, shape and stiffness of the raised ridge may besufficient to apply the flow blocking pressure to the urethra of theuser during use of the pad by the user, when the user is in a seatedposition. However, in certain embodiments, even when a user is in anon-seated position, height, shape and stiffness of the raised ridge,and tightness of clothing worn around the pad may be sufficient to applythe flow blocking pressure to the urethra of the user during use of thepad by the user. In certain embodiments, such “non-seated” position flowobstruction may be achieved though action of a cord attached to theraised ridge portion.

A method to mitigate incontinence comprising the steps of: establishingan absorbent pad in a genital area 17 of a user; establishing a raisedridge adjacent a perineum 18 of the user; and absorbing at least asubstantial portion of any emissions from the user as a result of theincontinence within the absorbent pad. Note that the first two steps maybe accomplished by a user/wearer while donning (“putting on”) anincontinence pad that comprises the absorbent pad and the raised ridge 5(and perhaps other features also, of course). Note that the raised ridgemay indeed by absorbent itself. The method may further comprise the stepof applying localized pressure to the perineum of the user at leastpartially through use of the raised ridge of the pad, therebycompressing the urethra of the user with the localized pressure andpreventing the involuntary urination. In particular embodiments, thestep of applying localized pressure may include applying pressureexerted from under the raised ridge by a sitting surface in response tositting by the user on the surface; in those (and other) embodiments,the step of applying localized pressure may include applying pressureexerted by briefs that are tight fitting (e.g., “tighty whitey's”,instead of boxers). In the case where boxers are worn, a cord attachedto the pad, that can be used effect application of pressure from theraised ridge (or other projection) to the urethra of the user, may beparticularly useful and effective. In certain embodiments, the step ofapplying localized pressure may include applying pressure through actionof a cord 20 that may be attached to the raised ridge (in any manner,for example, via adhesive where the raised ridge is adhered around it,via stitching, via tying, as but a few examples). Particular embodimentsmay include the step of securing the pad in position (which may be morethan simply “putting on” (donning) the pad); such step may be achievedat least in part by compressing part of the pad in the interglutealcleft through use of a user's buttocks' bias towards each other(operation of a cord, or simply lifting the back of the pad, indeedself-administering a mild “wedgie,” (e.g., may assist in overcoming thisbias initially and establishing the pad (perhaps only the raised ridgepart of it, or just a portion of such raised ridge) in the interglutealcleft)). The step of securing the pad in position may comprise the stepof manually grasping a manually graspable cord 99 (a cord that has atleast a portion 21 that can be manually grasped) attached to the pad andpulling the cord upward and rearward (behind the user). Note that thecord may be attached to at least a portion of the pad that is along alongitudinal centerline of the pad (along at least a portion of thecenterline), such as the raised ridge (which may also be establishedalong at least a portion of such centerline). The step of compressingpart of the pad may comprise the step of compressing a raised ridge(which may be a portion of a pad that also comprises a base). The cordmay be established along substantially the entire length of the raisedridge, or along only a portion of it (which typically, but notnecessarily, include the posterior portion of the raised ridge).

Another aspect of the inventive technology, more directly addressingfabrication methods, may be described as a method of fabricating anincontinence item (e.g., an incontinence pad) wherein the incontinenceitem comprises a base and a raised ridge element 5 that has a centerline4 (e.g., a longitudinal centerline that is substantially within amid-sagittal plane of a pad wearer), the method comprising the steps of:fabricating the base, the base having at least a portion that isabsorbent and having a centerline 22; and fabricating the raised ridgeelement 5 to be positioned along at least a portion of the centerline ofthe base. In certain embodiments, the step of fabricating the raisedridge element may comprise the step of fabricating the raised ridgeelement to be detachable from the base (e.g., via hook and loopfastener, for example); perhaps the raised ridge element isre-attachable to, and re-positionable on, the base.

In certain embodiments, the fabrication method may further include thestep of configuring so the raised ridge element has a centerline thatlies substantially within the mid-sagittal plane of a user of the pad.In certain preferred “raised ridge” designs, the pad is configured sothat while the user of the pad is in a seated position, the raised ridgeapplies a pressure to the perineum of the user, the pressure sufficientto obstruct (a term that includes only partially obstruct) involuntaryurine flow through the urethra.

Note that in certain designs, the step of fabricating the raised ridgemay comprise the step of fabricating the raised ridge so that the raisedridge has at least one end that extends beyond a longitudinal end of thebase element. In certain other designs, the step of fabricating theraised ridge may comprise the step of fabricating the raised ridge sothat the raised ridge has an end that terminates substantially at aposterior end of the pad. In either case, the step of fabricating theraised ridge may comprise the step of fabricating the raised ridge sothat, while the pad is worn by a user, a posterior portion of the raisedridge is established in the intergluteal cleft of the user. Suchposterior end of the raised ridge may terminate in the interglutealcleft, below, at or above the anus of a user, and posteriorly of ascrotum of a male user, when the pad is worn by the user. In suchembodiments, the step of fabricating the base may comprise the step offabricating the base so that the posterior end of the pad terminateshigher than does the posterior end of the raised ridge, when the pad isworn by the user.

While, in general, fabricating a raised ridge may be performed by thepre-purchase manufacturer, or by the post-purchase user, certainembodiments are particularly amenable to fabrication of the raised ridgeby the user him or herself. More particularly, in certain embodiments,the raised ridge may be fabricated from a conventional, readilyavailable incontinence pad that, at purchase, does not feature a raisedridge. The raised ridge can be fabricated by exposing adhesive thatmaybe on the exterior of the pad (conventionally intended to secure thepad to undergarment (e.g., underwear) worn just outside of the pad), andmanually forming the raised ridge. See generally FIGS. 18A and 18B.Applied pressure from the side of the raised ridge should secureopposing sides to each other, thereby forming the raised ridge on a sideopposite the adhesive. In certain embodiments, a portion of a cord maybe placed along part of the longitudinal centerline of the pad beforeparts of the opposing sides of the pad are brought together to form theridge; the ridge can then be formed around the cord portion (with aremaining portion extending and exposed posteriorly of the raised ridge)by laterally applying opposing pressure (e.g., horizontally, from theleft and the right, towards a plane that includes the longitudinalcenter of the pad) to the raised ridge, thereby adhering opposite sidesto each other, and securing the cord portion within the ridge such thatpulling on its remaining exposed portion (typically extending in aposterior direction) applies force to the raised ridge (see generally,FIGS. 18A and 18B). Once formed, the cord can run within and along thelength of the raised ridge (whether along the entire length, or alongonly a portion of the length, such as one half, one third, two thirds,three fourths, etc.). The anterior portion (approximately ½, forexample) of the pad can be formed (e.g., via pushing the outside of acupped hand or first against such portion) into a pouch, or pocket. Theconverted pad can then be placed, for use, such that the raised ridge 5is below the perineum of the user; remaining adhesive (if it exists) onthe external and front side of the pad may be secured to a garment wornoutside of the pad, thereby securing the pad in position. [It is ofincidental note that in any embodiment of the inventive technologydisclosed herein, adhesive (on the external, garment proximate side ofthe pad) may be used to adhere the pad to an undergarment worn outsideof the pad.] Accordingly, certain embodiments of the inventivetechnology may include a kit that enables purchasers to form the raisedridge. The kit could include instructions (see above) and perhaps a cord(in addition, perhaps, to a pad). It would enable a user to convert aconventional pad he or she has purchased so as to have a pad that has araised ridge, and possibly also a cord that can be used to apply forceto the raised ridge (and thus to a urethra of the user). Note that wherethe raised ridge (or, more generally, projection) is formed by amanufacturer prior to sale, the projection may be folded up 180 degreesinto the upper pouch; the two can them be folded together from the rightand left sides, and perhaps held there via tape, forming a compactpackage for sale.

More particularly as to materials, in certain embodiments, the step offabricating the base may comprise the step of fabricating the base froma first material (e.g., absorbent fabric) and wherein the step offabricating the raised ridge may comprise the step of fabricating theraised ridge at least in part from the first material. In suchembodiments, an inner, skin proximate portion of the base and an inner,skin proximate portion of the raised ridge may be different portions ofthe same perhaps layered, sheet-like material. In particular designs,the raised ridge may comprise a comparatively more rigid supportcomponent 13 that provides support for it; such comparatively more rigidsupport component may established below the same layered, sheet likematerial (in those designs where at least part of the raised ridge andpart of the base are of the same material. In other embodiments, thestep of fabricating the raised ridge may comprise the step offabricating a raised ridge that is a discrete component from the basebut that is attached to the base.

Regardless of whether the raised ridge and the pad base are made fromthe same material or are discrete components, the step of fabricatingthe raised ridge 5 may comprise the step of establishing as part of theraised ridge a comparatively more rigid material 13 that providessupport for the raised ridge. Such comparatively more rigid material maycomprise a material selected from the group consisting of foam, plastic,cord and cardboard. As to those aspects of fabrication that relate tothe length, shape and height of the raised ridge, the inventivetechnology should be understood to also include any steps of fabricatingthe raised ridge to have any of the aforementioned, apparatus typelength, shape and height features. For example, as there is mention of acord 20 that may be attached to the raised ridge, this specificationshould also be understood to include disclosure of fabricating a raisedridge that has a cord attached thereto. An aspect of the inventivetechnology may be described as an incontinence pad that comprises: anabsorbent pad base 2 (which includes, but is not limited to, a partiallyabsorbent pad base) having an outer surface 3 capable of beingestablished against clothing of a user when the pad is worn by the user;an inner surface 6 that is on a side of the pad that is opposite theouter surface (e.g., and against skin of a user while the pad is wornthereby); and a cord 20 forming part of and attached to the pad. Notethat only part of a pad base need be absorbent for it to be an absorbentpad base (although indeed substantially all of it may be absorbent).Further, the cord is the to form part of the pad only by virtue of itsconnection thereto (i.e., the cord may appear as an attached, accessoryitem to the pad and still be part of the pad).

Note that in certain embodiments, the cord 20 is attached along at leasta portion of a centerline 4 defined by the incontinence pad (where thecenterline lies in a mid-sagittal plane of a wearer of the pad, and maydivide the pad into right and left halves). The cord 20 may have amanually graspable portion 21 (i.e., that portion of the cord that maybe manually grasped by a user thereof); it may be substantially at alongitudinal end (e.g., a posterior end) of the pad. The cord mayinclude an additional cord portion 33 attached to the manually graspablecord portion 21 and forming part of the cord, where at least part of theadditional cord portion is established between the outer surface and theinner surface, and substantially along at least part of a longitudinalpad centerline that lies substantially within a mid-sagittal plane ofthe user when the incontinence pad is worn thereby. In particularembodiments, the additional cord portion may be established between theinner surface and the outer surface. It may be established substantiallyalong a longitudinal pad centerline 4 that lies substantially within amid-sagittal plane of the user when the incontinence pad is wornthereby. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the cord extendsposteriorly beyond a posterior end of the pad. During wearing of thepad, the at least a portion of the cord that extends posteriorly maydrape or hang vertically downward posteriorly of the pad, or it mayextend upward (e.g., if it is stiff enough, as is the case with certainpaper cord). In certain other embodiments (e.g., those offeringdirectional bias), none of the cord may extend posteriorly beyond aposterior end of the pad. Note also that the cord may form a loop(perhaps for easy grasping . . . note that a cord is deemed grasped evenwhere it has a loop that is hooked with a finger). The loop may besubstantially at a posterior end of the cord. As mentioned, the loop maybe manually graspable.

In certain embodiments there may be provided a bias element 30configured to act on the cord. The bias element may bias the cord in atensile direction. While a bias element may be found only in particularembodiments, in those where it does exist, it may be part of a cord (aswhere that part is elastic). It may eliminate or reduce the need tomanually grasp and tug at the cord to secure the pad in proper position,particularly when the cord is attached at both ends to the pad. Notethat a bias element may even find application where there is a manuallygraspable cord portion, as the manually graspable cord portion maysupplement the action of the bias element (in securing the pad in properposition, e.g., securing a raised ridge thereof in the interglutealcleft of the user). In preferred embodiments, the cord has alongitudinal front end and a longitudinal rear end and the bias elementis substantially at one of the ends. As mentioned, in certainembodiments, both ends of the cord may be attached to the pad (e.g., toa raised ridge thereof, and/or to the base thereof, as but twoexamples).

In particular embodiments, the cord may be attached to the pad (i.e.,any part thereof) at a cord attachment site 31, which may besubstantially at a posterior end of the pad, substantially at ananterior end of the pad, or somewhere therebetween (although typicallyit will be attached to a posterior portion of the pad (i.e., posteriorof a mid-coronal plane of a user wearing the pad)). In embodiments witha raised ridge, the site may be a portion of the raised ridge interior,or all of the raised ridge interior. Attachment can be achieved in anynumber of ways—seamless “meshing” of the cord into the pad (e.g., into araised ridge of the pad), hook and loop fastener, adhesive, sewing andstitching, tying, to name a few). In certain preferred embodiments, thecord attachment site is within (on) a longitudinal pad centerline 4 thatlies substantially within a mid-sagittal plane of the user when theincontinence pad is worn thereby. More particularly as to the corditself, it can be a type of rope, twine, tether, cloth, nylon, fibrousmaterial, cotton material, absorbent material, elastic, rubber, papercord and mesh rope, as but a few examples.

As mentioned, certain pad embodiments—including those with a cord—mayinclude a raised ridge established above part of the base and having asurface that is established against at least a portion of the perineumof the user when the incontinence pad is worn by the user. The raisedridge itself may define a raised ridge centerline 32 that liessubstantially within the mid-sagittal plane of the user when theincontinence pad is worn by the human user. In such embodiments, a cordmay be attached to the raised ridge. The cord may include a manuallygraspable portion 21 and an additional cord portion 33, wherein at leastpart of the additional cord portion may be established between the outersurface 3 and the inner surface 6, and substantially along at least partof a longitudinal pad centerline that lies substantially within amid-sagittal plane of the user when the incontinence pad is wornthereby. In certain embodiments, at least part of the additional cordportion 33 is established substantially under the raised ridge 5.Optionally, at least part of the additional cord portion forms at leastpart of the raised ridge, and perhaps this cord portion is a support forthe raised ridge (or the part that is above this cord portion). In theseand other embodiments, the additional cord portion (or part thereof) maybe between the inner surface and the outer surface of the pad.

Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may include a shortlength projection 35 configured to apply pressure to a urethra of auser. Such short length projection may be particularly useful in anincontinence pad designed for women, as the urethra of women does notpass above the perineum, but instead travels essentially straight downto a urethral opening site in the vagina. As such, the short lengthprojection (e.g, a bulb), when properly situated, may apply a force thatacts substantially along a longitudinal axis of the urethra, at theurethral opening (including in the area of the clitoris, labium majoraand/or labium minora). Typically, the short length projection is smallerin front to back length than any raised ridge (e.g., it may be less thantwo inches in length, less than one inch in length, less than ¾ inch inlength) and have a width (in a coronal plane) that is small enough toavoid interference with inner thighs on either side. In such a pad, acord 20 may be attached to the short length projection; such cord,whether it has a manually graspable portion or a biased portion (orboth), may operate (or be operable) to apply the aforementioned upwardforce. In certain embodiments, the short length projection, whenproperly situated and a design force is applied (perhaps along a cordand/or as a result of sitting), may obstruct flow (at least partially)via simple physical obstruction at the urethral opening. Note that suchdesign force (i.e., a force sufficient to achieve the desired urinaryflow mitigation) may be applied via manual operation of a cord attached(either directly or indirectly) to the short length projection (shortlength front to back), via a bias element 30 that is part of a cord soattached, by sitting and/or by tight fitting clothing. Indeed, the verymechanisms of application of a design force/pressurization to a raisedridge may also be found to apply a design force in any embodiment. Itshould be understood that the upward, short length projection may alsofind application in a male incontinence pad, but in the male version,the projection would be established so that when the pad is worn, it isbelow a perineum of the user and can apply pressure thereagainst (inorder to pressurize the urethra passing above it). As such, and as withother embodiments of the inventive technology, the pad may, but neednot, be designed for a particular gender (i.e., one model may beintended specifically for a woman, and have a short length projectionlocated so that, during wearing of the pad by a woman, it is just belowa urethral opening, and another model may be intended specifically for aman, with a short length projection positioned so that, during wearingof the pad by a male, the projection is below the perineum of a user.)Note that a projection may be long enough (i.e., it might not be a shortlength projection) or it may be a short length projection that can bepositioned properly (whether by positioning of the entire pad relativeto the bodily coverage area or via removal of the projection from thepad and repositioning of the projection on the pad as is appropriate)such that it “fits” or can be adjusted to fit both male and female users(e.g., in a woman, at least part of the projection is below the urethralopening and in an male at least part of the projection is below theperineum).

At least one embodiment of the inventive technology may be described asa method to mitigate incontinence comprising the steps of establishing apad having an absorbent pad base 2 and an inner surface 6; establishingat least part of the inner surface adjacent a perineum of the user; anddirectionally biasing (whether manually, via manual grasping and pullinga manually graspable cord portion upward/outward; and/or throughoperation of a bias element (e.g., of a cord)) at least a portion of thepad by a cord 20 attached to and forming part of the pad. Accordingly,such biasing may include the step of directionally biasing with a cordthat is attached to the pad at a cord attachment site 31 (e.g., that maybe within (along part of) a longitudinal pad centerline 4 defined by thepad and that lies substantially within a mid-sagittal plane of the userwhen the incontinence pad is worn thereby).

More particularly as to the step of directionally biasing, such step maycomprise directionally biasing with a cord that has a manually graspableportion, in an upward and/or outward direction. Such cord portion may besubstantially at a longitudinal end of the pad. The cord may furtherinclude an additional cord portion established between the manuallygraspable cord portion 21 and a cord end. The manually graspable cordportion may be substantially at a posterior end of the pad; it may, incertain embodiments, form a loop, which may be substantially at aposterior end of the manually graspable cord portion.

As mentioned, the step of directionally biasing may comprise the step ofdirectionally biasing with a cord 20 that further comprises anadditional cord portion 33 proximal the manually graspable cord, atleast part of the additional cord portion being established between theouter surface 3 and the inner surface 6, and substantially along atleast part of a longitudinal pad centerline 4 that lies substantiallywithin a mid-sagittal plane of the user when the incontinence pad isworn thereby. The additional cord portion 33 may be established betweenthe inner surface and the outer surface. It may be establishedsubstantially along a longitudinal pad centerline 4 that liessubstantially within a mid-sagittal plane of the user when theincontinence pad is worn thereby. In certain embodiments, at least apart of the manually graspable cord portion 21 extends posteriorlybeyond a posterior end 15 of the pad. In such embodiments, duringwearing of the pad, the at least a part of the manually graspable cordportion that extends posteriorly may draper vertically downwardposteriorly of the pad. However, in other embodiments, none of the cordextends posteriorly beyond a posterior end 15 of the pad.

Regardless of whether any cord includes a manually graspable portion 21,the step of directionally biasing may include the step of directionallybiasing at least in part through action of a bias element 30 that biasesthe cord in a tensile direction. This bias element may be part of anymanually graspable cord portion 21 that exists (although it need not),part of an additional cord portion 22, or, it can be part of a cord thatdoes not have a portion that is intended for intentional manual graspingfor application of a design force (see FIG. 16B, note that in suchdesigns, both ends may be attached to the pad, although this is notnecessarily a required feature, with a bias element therebetween).Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the bias element may be the to bepart of the cord (and such part may be elastic). The cord, likely havinga longitudinal front end and a longitudinal rear end, may have a biaselement substantially at one end, and, as explained, both of the endsmay be attached to the pad (e.g., to a pad base (or other pad component,such as a raised ridge)).

As mentioned, method embodiments that involve a pad with a cord (andthose without a cord, of course) may involve a pad that includes araised ridge 5. As such, the pad (pad apparatus) may further comprise araised ridge established above part of the base and having a surfacethat is established against at least a portion of the perineum of theuser when the incontinence pad is worn by the user, the raised ridgeitself defining a raised ridge centerline 32 that lies substantiallywithin the mid-sagittal plane of the user when the incontinence pad isworn by the human user. The cord may be attached to the raised ridge; itmay include a manually graspable portion 21 and an additional cordportion 22, wherein at least part of the additional cord portion may beestablished between the outer surface 3 and the inner surface 6, andsubstantially along at least part of a longitudinal pad centerline 4that lies substantially within a mid-sagittal plane of the user when theincontinence pad is worn thereby. It is of note that at least part ofthe additional cord portion may be established substantially under theraised ridge. Regardless, at least part of the additional cord portionmay form at least part of the raised ridge. Such at least part of theadditional cord portion may form a support for the raised ridge; it maybe between the inner surface of the pad and the outer surface of thepad.

Embodiments of the “directionally biasing” methods of the inventivetechnology may further comprise the step of configuring a short lengthprojection 35 to apply pressure to a urethra of the user. A cord may beattached to the short length projection 35; in certain embodiments, itmay be particularly suited for use as part of an incontinence paddesigned for women (e.g., as a result of its placement relative to therest of the pad, and/or its size (as where it is small enough to applypressure at the urethral opening).

Note that in certain embodiments, pressure against the urethra (whetherapplied via a projection 50 or a raised ridge 5, or at the urethralopening or at the perineum) may initially be created by manually pullinga manually graspable cord 99 (or as manually graspable cord portion 21thereof) that is attached (perhaps via an additional cord portion) tothe pad, raised ridge, or projection, and pulling (upward and/oroutward), then securing the raised ridge (e.g., securing into positionvia action of the buttocks on either side of the intergluteal cleft). Incertain embodiments, such pressurization may be maintained (partially orentirely) via a bias element 30 (e.g., an elastic band) that, when theuppermost, rear portion of the pad is brought (e.g., likely by manuallygrasping it or a cord attached to part of it) to an intended, properwearing height, applies force to the raised ridge and/or projectionthat, like a cord that is wrapped around a cylinder and then pulled,applies an inward force onto the cylinder. In certain embodiments, theraised ridge 5 may play a role in maintaining such force, in that it maybe established it in the intergluteal cleft during a tensioning/pullingof the raised ridge into such cleft (where it is then, after any manualrelease of the pad, secured through action of the buttocks movinghorizontally towards each other). Note that these mechanisms of applyingforce may be supplemented or supplanted by sitting and/or tight fittingbriefs (which, by the way, can act alone, e.g., in embodiments without acord or a raised ridge, thereby replacing any manuallyinitiated/generated pressurization). Note that because a posteriorportion (or even an anterior portion) of the pad can also be grasped,some embodiments may eliminate the cord, while still allowing for manualestablishment of the raised ridge into the intergluteal cleft.Preferably, but not necessarily, any cord may exit the pad substantiallyat a posterior portion of the pad (in other embodiments, the manuallygraspable cord portion may be at the anterior pad portion). It is alsoof note that certain embodiments, as mentioned, may rely only onpressurization (at the projection) created during sitting and/or tightfitting briefs. This is in keeping with the fact that any of the variousindependent aspects of the inventive technology disclosed herein(including but not limited to the raised ridge, the upward, short lengthprojection, the cord, the bias element, the absorbency separator, thesecondary retention element, etc.) may be featured alone or in any sortof combination or permutation.

Particular apparatus embodiments may be described as an incontinence pad1 that includes a base 2 having an outer surface 3 capable of beingestablished against clothing of a user when the incontinence pad is wornby the user; a targeted pressure element 40 established above at least aportion of the base; and an absorbent established adjacent skin of theuser when the incontinence pad is worn by the user. The absorbent maybeat least a portion of the base and/or targeted pressure element. Thetargeted pressure element may be a raised ridges (particularly, but notexclusively, where it's configured to pressurize the urethra of a male)and/or an upward, short length projection 42 (particularly, but notexclusively, where it is pressurized to pressurize the urethra offemale). In certain embodiments, when it is a raised ridge, it mayeffect pressure that acts transverse to a longitudinal axis 101 of theurethra (where that axis is defined by the male urethra in the area ofthe perineum and the female urethra in the area of the urethralopening). When it's an upward, short length projection, it may effectpressurization that acts in a direction that is substantially along thelong (longitudinal) axis of the urethra (of a female); it may beconfigured for establishment directly below a urethral opening of afemale wearing the pad. However, an upward, short length projection maybe used on a male, and a raised ridge may used on a female.

A related method to mitigate incontinence may be described as comprisingthe steps of: establishing an absorbent pad 1 in a genital area 17 of auser (e.g., as by “putting on” the pad); creating a targeted pressureincrease at a targeted location (e.g., a perineum of a male, or aurethral opening on a female) on the user through action of theabsorbent pad (perhaps by sitting, by the action of tight fittingclothing worn around the pad, by manual operation of a graspable cordportion (and perhaps also retention of part of the pad, such as a raisedridge, in the intergluteal cleft of a pad wearer), and/or by action of abias element); and absorbing at least a substantial portion of anyemissions from the user as a result of the incontinence within theabsorbent pad. Accordingly, the step of creating a targeted pressureincrease may comprise the step of creating a targeted pressure increasethrough action of a raised ridge 5 of the pad and/or through action of aupward, short length projection 42 of the pad. Note that the step ofcreating a targeted pressure increase at a targeted location maycomprise the step of creating a targeted pressure increase at a perineumof a user (typically of a male user, although a raised ridge may also beeffective in applying pressure to the urethral opening of females, andthus useful for mitigating incontinence of women). Aforementionedspecifics regarding such pressure may also apply here. Note also that,particularly as to females, the step of creating a targeted pressureincrease at a targeted location may comprise the step of creating atargeted pressure increase at a urethral opening of a user. Asmentioned, this may be accomplished (at least in part) through action ofan upward, short length projection of the pad.

Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may be described asan incontinence pad that comprises a pad 1, itself comprising anabsorbent pad base 2, the pad having an outer surface 3 capable of beingestablished against clothing of a user when the pad is worn by the user;an inner surface 6 of the pad, the inner surface opposite the outersurface; a urethral compressor 44 (e.g., a raised ridge, or an upward,short length projection) attached to the pad along at least a portion ofthe inner surface; and an absorbent established adjacent skin of theuser when the incontinence pad is worn by the user. The urethralcompressor may be configured to pressure the urethra of a male,particularly where the wearer is a male (pressure effected by theurethral compressor may act transverse to a longitudinal axis of theurethra). In certain embodiments, the urethral compressor may beconfigured to pressure the urethra of a female (e.g., as where it is anupward, short length projection and pressure effected by the urethralcompressor acts substantially along a longitudinal axis of the urethra).Particularly with women, the urethral compressor may be configured forestablishment directly below a urethral opening of a female wearing thepad so it can create pressure at such opening (note that as to padshaving a raised ridge, a portion of the raised ridge may be below aurethral opening of a male, but such is not intended to create pressureat such opening (as indeed, with males, the incontinence mitigationpreferably occurs via pressurization of the urethra applied at theperineum)).

A method to mitigate incontinence comprising the steps of: establishingan absorbent pad 1 in a genital 17 area of a user; creating urethralcompression at a location on the user through action of the absorbentpad; and absorbing at least a substantial portion of any emissions(e.g., urine) from the user as a result of the incontinence within theabsorbent pad. Note that the step of creating urethral compression maycomprise the step of doing so through action of a raised ridge, anupward, short length projection, a bias element, tight fitting clothingaround the pad, and/or through the act of sitting. Note that the step ofestablishing an absorbent pad in a genital area of a user may comprisethe step of establishing an absorbent pad in the genital area of afemale or male user, and that either a raised ridge or an upward, shortlength projection, can be effective for either if properly situated aspart of the pad (e.g., the raised ridge, for women, should pass underthe urethral opening, and for men, the upward, short length projectionshould be established under the perineum of the male). However, it maybe that the raised ridge is more effective for men, and the upward,short length projection, with its more targeted pressurization, is moreeffective for women. Nonetheless, use of the upward, short lengthprojection may be somewhat effective for men also, and use of the raisedridge may be somewhat effective for women. Note also that a primarydifference between the raised ridge and the upward, short lengthprojection may be the front to back length of each (the upward shortlength projection may have a shorter length, and may to apply a moretargeted, focused pressurization). The raised ridge, while critically,in certain male pad embodiments, applying a force to the perineum (aterm that includes applying a force merely to a portion thereof), may belonger not so that it can apply pressure elsewhere, but instead perhapsso that such raised ridge can be established and secured in theintergluteal cleft of a user, thereby keeping the raised ridge taut fromfront to back, and thereby keeping the perineum pressurized (and theurethra above it).

It is of note that, even in embodiments with an upward, short lengthprojection, there may also be a raised ridge; it would typically beseparated from the short length projection. Such raised ridge in suchembodiments, may, primarily, be intended for establishment in anintergluteal cleft (and securing therein), thereby keeping a perineum(male) or urethral opening (female) pressurized.

Particular embodiments may be described as a an incontinence padcomprising an absorbent pad base, the pad base having an outer surfacecapable of being established against clothing of a user when the pad isworn by the user; an inner surface of the pad, the inner surfaceopposite the outer surface; a nerve trigger element 49 (attached to thepad and forming part thereof) along at least a portion of the innersurface; and an absorbent established adjacent skin of the user when theincontinence pad is worn by the user. The nerve trigger can be a raisedridge or an upward, short length projection. It may affect aparasympathetic nerve, perhaps upon compressing it, perhaps effectingconstriction (or tightening) of a urethral sphincter.

A related method to mitigate incontinence may be described as comprisingthe steps of: establishing an absorbent pad in a genital area of a user;triggering at least one nerve reaction through action of the absorbentpad; and absorbing at least a substantial portions of any emissions fromthe user as a result of the incontinence within the absorbent pad. Thestep of triggering may comprise the step of triggering at least onenerve reaction through compressive action, which may be effected by araised ridge or an upward, short length projection, sitting or by tightfitting clothing. The nerve reaction may be a parasympathetic nervereaction; such reaction may effect tightening of a urethral sphincter.

Another set of embodiments related to an independent aspect of theinventive technology may be described generally as an incontinence pad 1comprising: an outer surface 3 capable of being established againstclothing of a user when the pad is worn by the user, the pad alsodefining a centerline 4; an absorbent 45 (e.g., an fluid absorbentfabric, absorbent layered material, absorbent material, etc.)established adjacent skin of the user when the pad is worn by the user;and a substantially longitudinal absorbency separator 46 configuredwithin at least a portion of the absorbent along the centerline. Thesubstantially longitudinal absorbency separator may be establishedsubstantially along at least part of a longitudinal centerline 4 of thepad (in the mid-sagittal plane defined by a wearer of the pad), perhapswithin the absorbent (meaning either entirely within it or onlypartially with it); it may be longer from front to back than it is wide(from right to left). It may serve to prevent the flow of retained(absorbed) fluid from a right side of the absorbent to a left side ofthe absorbent; in that sense it may be a sort of liquid flow blockingwall that may divide the absorbent into two sections (right and leftsections 52, 53, perhaps equal in size). It may also possibly serve todivert fluid into a right or left absorbent portion shortly afteremission thereof. Whether the fluid retention component that isseparated is a projection, raised ridge, or other component (including apad base), it may, in certain embodiments, equalize left and right fillamounts, thereby maximizing the total retention capacity before leakageor overflow therefrom occurs. It may form part of (be within) and/or bebelow a portion of or all of any raised ridge or projection that may bepresent. Any cord or bias element may be attached to it, although thisis certainly optional and not a necessary feature of apparatus featuringa cord and/or bias element. It may have a variety of lengths to achieveits intended purpose, from substantially a posterior end of the pad toan anterior end of the pad, to much shorter. While it certainly may havesome structural rigidity to it (such may also provide structure for anyraised ridge that may exist), it may also or instead be compressible(e.g., for comfort during sitting).

A related set of method type embodiments of the inventive technologyintended to mitigate incontinence may comprise the steps of:establishing a pad 1 having a centerline 4 in a genital area of a user(upon a user “putting on” the pad); establishing an absorbent 45adjacent skin of the user (which may also be accomplished when the user“puts on” the pad); absorbing at least a substantial portions of anyemissions from the user as a result of the incontinence within theabsorbent (which may occur shortly after a urinary emission whilewearing the pad); and substantially longitudinally separating absorptionwithin the absorbent along at least a portion of the centerline (whichmay be achieved whenever flow is intentional prevented from crossingfrom a right side of the absorbent to a left side, or vice versa). Thestep of substantially longitudinally separating absorption may compriseseparating with a liquid flow blocking wall 51, perhaps with one that isestablished from a posterior end of the pad to an anterior end (althoughother lengths are contemplated as being within the ambit of theinventive technology). Of course, features specified immediately aboverelative to the apparatus version of the flow separator technology alsoapply to the method version.

Another independent aspect of the inventive technology disclosed hereinmay be described as an incontinence pad that comprises: an absorbent padbase that has an outer surface capable of being established againstclothing of a user when the pad is worn by the user, the absorbent basehaving a centerline; an inner surface that is opposite the outersurface; and a substantially perpendicular structure 54 attached to thepad and forming a portion of the inner surface along the centerline.This perpendicular structure could be a raised ridge or, in otherembodiments, a projection. While in certain embodiments, theperpendicular structure has substantially vertical sides when the pad isworn by a user, this is not a requirement, as the term perpendicularrefers to the following feature: when viewed in a cross-sectional planethat is transverse to a mid-sagittal plane, that intersects theperpendicular structure, and that includes a normal vector that proceedsfrom the top of the perpendicular structure and that points in towardsthe pad wearer, the perpendicular structure defines a centerline that isperpendicular to a baseline between the two sides (right/left) of thelower part of the pad in that cross-sectional plane. In particularembodiments, the perpendicular structure (in the aforementionedcross-sectional plane) has sides that are not substantially vertical butinstead slope upwards from the pad on both right and left sides of theperpendicular structure.

A related procedure to mitigate incontinence may be described ascomprising the steps of: establishing a pad having an absorbent pad baseand an inner surface in a genital area of a user; establishing a portionof the inner surface adjacent a perineum of the user; and interposing asubstantially perpendicular structure 54 (e.g., a raised ridge, araised, short length projection) along at least a portion of the innersurface in the vicinity of at least a portion of the perineum of theuser. The term perpendicular is as defined immediately above, in thedescription of the related apparatus. Further, the sides of theperpendicular structure may be vertical or upwardly sloping, asdescribed above relative to the related apparatus version.

Another independent aspect of the inventive technology may be describedas an incontinence pad that comprises: a primary fluid retention element60 (e.g., as may be found in a pad base, or a raised ridge, for example)having an outer surface 3 capable of being established against clothingof a user when the incontinence pad is worn by the user, the primaryretention element having a centerline (front to back, or longitudinal);a locationally separate secondary fluid retention element 691established adjacent the user on at least a portion of the centerline;and an inner surface 6 opposite the outer surface 3 capable of beingestablished adjacent skin of the user when the incontinence pad is wornby the user. Note that the locationally separate secondary fluidretention element may be at least part of a raised ridge absorbent, orpart even of an upward, short length projection (as in the case wherethe primary retention element is part of the pad base) or, instead, atleast a portion of the pad base. It may define a centerline that isestablished substantially along at least a portion of a longitudinalcenterline (e.g., within a mid-sagittal plane of a wearer) defined bythe pad. The locationally separate secondary fluid retention element maybe established (e.g., during wearing of the pad) between a base fluidretention element and skin of a wearer of the pad, or it may be part ofthe base (i.e., it may be a base fluid retention element). Note alsothat the primary fluid retention element may be divided intosubstantially two halves by a substantially longitudinal absorbencyseparator. It may comprise a base fluid retention element, or a perineumarea retention element 67 (such as a raised ridge retention element).The primary fluid retention element is wherever the fluid is firstretained (even if only momentarily) before it (or some of it) isconveyed to the locationally separate secondary fluid retention element.Such conveyance may occur, in at least one embodiment, when a certainamount of fluid is input into the primary fluid retention element. Atsuch point, fluid may be transferred to the locationally separatesecondary fluid retention element. This conveyance may occur via whatmay be referred to as a fluidic communicator 68 (e.g., a pathway). Itmay be established to fluidically communicate the primary fluidretention element with the locationally separate secondary fluidretention element. In such manner, when one retention element is full(or reaches a certain level or amount), it can overflow into the other.Such conveyance may occur via, e.g., wicking, pressurization and/orgravitationally. Similarly, when one is compressed (which happens oftenwith the primary retention element), instead of some fluid retainedtherein perhaps being forced out of the pad entirely, such fluid insteadmay be fluidically communicated (moved via flow) to the other retentionelement. The fluidic communicator may be, as but a few examples, apermeable material (e.g., a fluid permeable fabric), a channel, apathway, and a tube (e.g., a straw-like tube). It may be the samematerial as the primary fluid retention element and/or the locationallyseparate secondary fluid retention element (and may even have similardimensions (e.g., same thickness and/or right to left width) as theprimary fluid retention element and/or the locationally separatesecondary fluid retention element. Fluid permeable material may achievefluid conveyance via wicking, and/or pressure (e.g., from the front tothe back of the pad (e.g., to a pad cup), where pressure is applied fromsitting, for example), and/or gravitationally. Wicking may also besimply a result of gravitational force (where the initial emission is ina forward “pocket”, and such fluid may be passed through gravitationalforce and/or wicking to a retention area (e.g., a projection such as araised ridge) that may be towards the rear of the pad. Note that, incertain embodiments, the retention element towards the front of the padmay be referred to as a forward absorptive pocket 69 (in which the penisand scrotum may rest).

A related method to mitigate incontinence may comprise the steps of:retaining fluid within a primary fluid retention element positionedsubstantially at a genital area of a user; and locationally separatelysecondarily retaining fluid adjacent the user. Retaining fluid within aprimary fluid retention element may be achieved by retaining fluidwithin a pad base absorbent, or instead, e.g., within a raised ridge.The step of locationally separately secondarily retaining fluid adjacentthe user may be achieved by retaining fluid within a raised ridgeabsorbent and/or a projection absorbent (e.g., absorbent within or of araised ridge or an upward, short length projection), but in thoseembodiments where the primary retention element is the raised ridgeabsorbent, the secondary retention element would be the pad base(including e.g., a pad cup, which would be towards the front of the padand would be shaped (whether before or during use), to cup malegenitalia during use; the cup may, but need not be of the same length asany raised ridge that may exist). The method may further comprise thestep of separating absorbed fluid into right and left fluid retentionportions; this may be done in absorbent of the pad base and/or of theraised ridge absorbent via the aforementioned substantially longitudinalabsorbency separator. Of course, the step of locationally separatelysecondarily retaining fluid adjacent the user may comprise the step oflocationally separately secondarily retaining fluid within alocationally separate secondary fluid retention element (e.g., a padbase, or a pad cup, as in the case where the primary retention elementis the raised ridge). Note that inventive methods may further comprisethe step of fluidically communicating the primary fluid retentionelement to the locationally separate secondary fluid retention element(by providing for conveyance of fluid from the primary fluid retentionelement to the locationally separate secondary fluid retention element).Note that the primary fluid retention element is that part of the padthat tends to retain most of the fluid that is first expelled into a padduring an incontinence event.

Another independent aspect of the inventive technology may be describedas an incontinence pad that comprises: a base retention element 71having an outer surface capable of being established against clothing ofa user when the incontinence pad is worn by the user, the base retentionelement having a centerline; a separate perineum retention element 67established above part of the retention element along at least a portionof the centerline; and an inner surface opposite the outer surfacecapable of being established adjacent skin of the user when theincontinence pad is worn by the user. The separate perineum retentionelement may comprise (e.g., be part of, or be entirely within, or bepartly within or be one and the same as) a urethral compressor, a raisedridge, a projection, and/or a targeted pressure element. It is intendedto be substantially below the perineum; for this reason it is typicallyfound in an incontinence pad that is specifically designed for a male,but may also be found in gender inspecific pads, or pads designed forwomen (typically pads designed for women would have a projection in thearea of the urethral opening). In particular embodiments, either thebase retention element or the perineum retention element is the primaryretention element. There may be a fluidic communicator between the tworetention elements.

Related method embodiments to mitigate incontinence comprise the stepsof: retaining fluid within a primary retention element positioned at agenital area of a user; and separately secondarily retaining fluid(e.g., within a perineum area of a user, or within a base retentionelement). The method may further comprise the step of compressing aurethra of a user. This may be accomplished, for a male or a female, inany of the various manners mentioned elsewhere in this disclosure.

As mentioned, particular embodiments of the inventive technology mayinclude a short length projection (protruding upwards). Such embodimentsmay be described as an incontinence pad comprising: an absorbent padbase, the pad having an outer surface capable of being establishedagainst clothing of a user when the pad is worn by the user and defininga centerline 4; an inner surface on a side of the pad that is oppositethe outer surface; and a short length projection 35 along at least aportion of the centerline and configured for positioning at a locationbelow a urethra of the user user to mitigate at least some effects ofincontinence. In such embodiments, the short length projection issmaller in front to back length than any raised ridge (e.g., it may beless than two inches in length, less than one inch in length, less than¾ inch in length) and has a width (in a coronal plane) that is smallenough to avoid interference with inner thighs of the user on eitherside of the pad. In certain embodiments that are more geared towardswomen, the short length projection is configured (including placedrelative to the rest of the pad) so that it is directly below a urethralopening. In other embodiments (i.e., those that are more designed formen), it may be configured so that, during wearing of the pad, the shortlength projection is below a urethra as it passes above a perineum ofthe male user. In either case, it may be intended to pressurize theurethra via any of the several mechanisms described elsewhere herein.Note that the short length projection may have any of a variety ofshapes—substantially frustoconical, substantially conical, substantiallypyramidal, substantially block-shaped, substantially-rectangular shaped,and substantially hemispherical in shape, as but a few examples. Notethat it, like any of the other projections articulated herein (raisedridge, e.g.), can be repositioned on the pad base (e.g., by a user, to“customize” the location for a specific user in order, for example, toachieve improved pressurization of the urethra (at the opening ortransversely, as described) as intended or desired. One of the many waysin which the projection can be repositioned (detached and thenre-secured/re-attached) is via adhesive or hook and loop fastener (e.g.,the loop side may be along a portion of the pad base (along alongitudinal centerline) that is longer (front to back) than the frontto back length of the projection, and the underside of the projectionmay have a hook portion attached to it).

Related inventive technology to mitigate incontinence may be describedas a method comprising the steps of: manufacturing a pad to have anabsorbent pad base and an inner surface in a genital area of a user;manufacturing a short length projection so that it is adjacent a urethraof the user; and absorbing at least a substantial portions of anyemissions from the user as a result of the incontinence within theabsorbent pad base. The short length projection may, and typically does,project upwards (such that it is an upward, short length projection). Inpads designed for women, a short length projection may be configured(located on the pad and/or sized) for positioning (by a user) at alocation below a urethral opening of the user so that a force is appliedto the urethral opening; in pads designed for men, a short lengthprojection may be designed for positioning at a location below theperineum (or, more particularly, below a urethra as it passes above aperineum) of the user. In either case, the step of manufacturing a shortlength projection may be the to comprise the step of step ofmanufacturing a short length projection to apply pressure to the urethra(e.g., during sitting, by tight fitting clothing, through operation of acord and/or bias element (e.g., elastic band)). As the projection(particularly when of short length) may be any of a variety of shapes(including but not limited to frustoconical, cylindrical, conical,pyramidal, block like, of oval, circular or rectangular base, etc.), thestep of manufacturing may include the step of manufacturing a shortlength projection that is any of these shapes. Further, the step ofmanufacturing may include the step of manufacturing a short lengthprojection that is repositionable on the absorbent pad base; it may berepositionable on the absorbent pad base via hook and loop fastener.

Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may be described asan incontinence pad that comprises: a compressible support areaabsorbent portion having 90 an outer surface capable of beingestablished against clothing of a user when the incontinence pad is wornby the user and an inner surface capable of being established against askin surface of the user when the incontinence pad is worn by the user;an overflow absorbent portion 91 established adjacent the compressiblesupport area absorbent portion; a fluidic communicator 68 fluidicallyconnecting (e.g., via liquid permeable fabric (allowing one-way ortwo-way fluid passage), cord, foam, material in the form of a pathway,channel, fluid conveyor, channel, conduit, etc.) the compressiblesupport area absorbent portion and the overflow absorbent portion; and aconnection element connecting the compressible support area absorbentportion and overflow absorbent portion (where the term portion hereimplies that each absorbent portion is but a part of the entireabsorbent of the pad). Note that the overflow absorbent portion, incertain embodiments, may be a type of secondary fluid retention element.The fluidic communicator may allow for conveyance of overflow from oneretention element (e.g. from the compressible support area absorbentportion) to the other (even where the first is not completely filledwith fluid, as overflow includes flow from an absorbent that is first toretain fluid to an absorbent that is next to retain fluid, regardless ofat which level (amount of retained fluid in the first absorbent) suchflow starts). Similarly, when one is compressed (which happens oftenwith the primary retention element or the compressible support areaabsorbent portion), instead of some fluid retained therein perhaps beingforced out of the pad entirely, such fluid instead may be fluidicallycommunicated (moved via flow) to the other retention element (e.g. tothe overflow retention element). Note that compressible support areaabsorbent portion may comprise an intergluteal cleft area absorbentportion and/or a perineum area absorbent portion. The connection elementmay be the fluidic communicator or at least form part of it or includeit. As mentioned, the fluidic communicator is at least partially fluidpermeable (it may also be at least partially absorbent). It may be madefrom (by example) cotton, fibrous material, cloth, layered material,synthetic material and natural material. The compressible support areaabsorbent portion of the pad may be compressed when a user of the padsits on a surface (such compression may pressurize that pad portion andforce fluid materials retained in it outward). As mentioned, the fluidiccommunicator may be configured to allow passage of at least some fluidabsorbed in the compressible support area absorbent portion from thecompressible support area absorbent portion to the overflow absorbentportion; fluid so passed may be overflow of the compressible supportarea absorbent portion. Note that in certain embodiments, the fluidiccommunicator allows for two-way fluid passage (such that overflown fluidcan return to its initial retained location (e.g., the compressiblesupport area absorbent portion) after the compressive force isdisapplied), while in others it may allow for only one-way passage. Theconnector may be an integral connector (e.g., made from the samematerial as that at least one of the connected parts), fibrousconnector, thread connector, stitching connector and adhesive connector,as but a few examples. Such connection may be a portion of the overflowabsorbent portion, or may perhaps be along an entire length of theoverflow absorbent portion. Note that the compressible support areaabsorbent portion may comprise a raised ridge and/or an upwardprojection (as but two examples) the overflow absorbent may be moreanteriorly disposed. Both of the compressible support area absorbentportion and the overflow absorbent portion may both be fluid retentive.

A related method, to mitigate fluid leakage from an incontinence pad,the pad defining an enclosed space between the pad and skin of a wearerof the pad, may be described as comprising the steps of: retaining fluidwithin a compressible support area absorbent portion positioned at agenital area of a user; establishing a overflow absorbent portionadjacent the compressible support area absorbent portion; and mitigating(e.g., reducing) through action of the overflow absorbent portion, atendency of the compressible support area absorbent portion to expelsome of the retained fluid from the enclosed space upon compression ofthe compressible support area absorbent portion. The step of mitigatingcomprises the step of conveying the some of the retained fluid from thecompressible support area absorbent portion to the overflow absorbentportion; such step may take place when external pressure is applied tothe compressible support area absorbent portion (e.g., from sitting,including sitting down, and moving while sitting). During such step ofpressurization, the conveying may be of some of the retained fluidduring overflow from the compressible support area absorbent portion; itmay include the step of conveying the some of the retained fluid througha fluidic communicator fluidically connecting the compressible supportarea absorbent portion and the overflow absorbent portion. In suchmanner, expelled fluid may be retained in the overflow absorbentportion. As alluded to above, the step of establishing an overflowabsorbent portion may comprise the step of establishing a interglutealcleft area absorbent portion, establishing a perineum area absorbentportion, establishing a raised ridge absorbent portion, and establishinga projection absorbent portion, establishing an anterior pocket areaabsorbent portion, establishing a posterior absorbent portion,establishing an anterior absorbent portion, and establishing a centralabsorbent portion.

However, in other embodiments, the overflow absorbent portion is withinan intergluteal cleft absorbent, a raised ridge, a perimeum areaabsorbent, or a projection. The compressible support area could be, e.g.on either/both sides of the intergluteal cleft, or more towards thefront of the pad.

CLAUSES

The following clauses describe the various aspects of the inventivetechnology, in embodiments. Note that any of the indicated limitations,whether disclosed in the clauses below, in the description, and/or inthe figures, may describe various aspect(s) of the inventive technologyeither alone or with any one or more other limitations.

-   1. An incontinence pad comprising:    -   a base having an outer surface capable of being established        against clothing of a user when said incontinence pad is worn by        said user, with said base having a centerline;    -   a raised ridge established above part of said base on at least a        portion of said centerline; and    -   an inner surface capable of being established adjacent skin of        said user when said incontinence pad is worn by said user.-   2. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein said inner surface comprises a base inner surface    and a raised ridge inner surface.-   3. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein said outer surface comprises a liquid impermeable    outer surface.-   4. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein said outer surface comprises an outer layer.-   5. An incontinence pad as described in clause 4, or any other    clause, wherein said outer layer comprises a liquid impermeable    outer layer.-   6. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein said inner surface comprises a one-way liquid    impermeable inner surface.-   7. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein said base comprises a liquid absorbent material.-   8. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein at least part of said base and at least part of said    raised ridge are of the same material.-   9. An incontinence pad as described in clause 8, or any other    clause, wherein an inner, skin proximate portion of said base and an    inner, skin proximate portion of said raised ridge are different    portions of the same layered, sheet like material.-   10. An incontinence pad as described in clause 9, or any other    clause, wherein said raised ridge comprises a comparatively more    rigid support component that provides support for it.-   11. An incontinence pad as described in clause 10, or any other    clause, wherein said comparatively more rigid support component is    established below said same layered, sheet like material.-   12. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein said base and said raised ridge are discrete pad    components.-   13. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein said raised ridge comprises a comparatively more    rigid material that provides support for it.-   14. An incontinence pad as described in clause 13, or any other    clause, wherein said comparatively more rigid material comprises a    material selected from the group consisting of foam, plastic and    cardboard.-   15. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein said raised ridge has one end that terminates    substantially at a longitudinal end of said pad and another end that    terminates at a non-end portion of said pad.-   16. An incontinence pad as described in clause 15, or any other    clause, wherein said end of said raised ridge that terminates    substantially at a longitudinal end of said pad is a posterior end    of said raised ridge.-   17. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein a posterior end of said raised ridge terminates in    the intergluteal cleft of a user when said pad is worn by said user.-   18. An incontinence pad as described in clause 17, or any other    clause, wherein said posterior end of said raised ridge terminates    in the intergluteal cleft, below the anus of a user when said pad is    worn by said user.-   19. An incontinence pad as described in clause 18, or any other    clause, wherein a posterior end of said pad terminates higher than    does said posterior end of said raised ridge of said pad, when said    pad is worn by said user.-   20. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein said raised ridge has a cross-sectional shape in a    coronal plane when worn by a user that is selected from the group of    shapes consisting of: triangular, half-circular disc shaped, block    shape and chamfered edge block shape.-   21. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein said raised ridge has a front end to rear end length    that is less than a front end to rear end length of a length of a    typical said perineum.-   22. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein said raised ridge has a front end to rear end length    that is greater than or substantially the same as a front end to    rear end length of a typical said perineum.-   23. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein said raised ridge is positioned on said base portion    such that at least part of said raised ridge is established under    said perineum during use of said pad by said user.-   24. An incontinence pad as described in clause 1, or any other    clause, wherein said raised ridge is configured to apply a flow    blocking pressure to said urethra of said user during use of said    pad by said user, when said user is in a seated position.-   25. An incontinence pad as described in clause 24, or any other    clause, wherein a height, shape and stiffness of said raised ridge    are sufficient to apply said flow blocking pressure to said urethra    of said user during use of said pad by said user, when said user is    in a seated position.-   26. An incontinence pad as described in clause 25, or any other    clause, wherein said height, shape and stiffness of said raised    ridge, and tightness of clothing worn around said pad, are    sufficient to apply said flow blocking pressure to said urethra of    said user during use of said pad by said user, when said user is in    a non-seated position.-   27. A method to mitigate incontinence comprising the steps of:    -   establishing an absorbent pad in a genital area of a user;    -   establishing a raised ridge adjacent a perineum of said user;        and    -   absorbing at least a substantial portion of any emissions from        said user as a result of said incontinence within said absorbent        pad.-   28. The method as described in clause 27, or any other clause,    further comprising applying localized pressure to the perineum of    said user at least partially through use of said raised ridge of    said pad.-   29. The method as described in clause 28, or any other clause,    further comprising compressing the urethra of said user with said    localized pressure.-   30. The method as described in clause 29, or any other clause,    further comprising preventing said involuntary urination.-   31. The method as described in clause 27, or any other clause,    wherein said step of applying localized pressure comprises the step    of applying pressure exerted from under said raised ridge by a    sitting surface in response to sitting by said user on said surface.-   32. The method as described in clause 27, or any other clause,    wherein said step of applying localized pressure comprises the step    of exerting pressure by briefs that are tight fitting.-   33. The method as described in clause 27, or any other clause,    wherein said step of applying localized pressure comprises the step    of applying pressure through action of a cord that may be attached    to the raised ridge.-   34. The method as described in clause 27, or any other clause,    further comprising the step of securing said pad in position.-   35. The method as described in clause 34, or any other clause,    wherein said step of securing said pad is achieved at least in part    by compressing part of said pad in the intergluteal cleft through    use of a user's buttocks' bias towards each other.-   36. The method as described in clause 35, or any other clause,    wherein said step of compressing part of said pad comprises the step    of compressing said raised ridge.-   37. The method as described in clause 36, or any other clause,    wherein said raised ridge is a portion of a pad that also comprises    a base.-   38. The method as described in clause 34, or any other clause,    wherein said step of securing said pad in position comprises the    step of manually grasping a manually graspable cord attached to said    pad and pulling said cord upward and back.-   39. The method as described in clause 38, or any other clause,    wherein said cord is attached to at least a portion of said pad that    is along a longitudinal centerline of said pad-   40. A method of fabricating an incontinence item, or any other    clause, wherein said incontinence item comprises a base and a raised    ridge element that has a centerline, said method comprising the    steps of:    -   fabricating said base, said base having at least a portion that        is absorbent and having a centerline; and    -   fabricating said raised ridge element to be positioned along at        least a portion of said centerline of said base.-   41. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge element comprises    the step of fabricating said raised ridge element to be detachable    from said base.-   42. The method as described in clause 41, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge element to be    detachable from said base comprises the step of fabricating said    raised ridge element to be detachable from said base with hook and    loop fastener.-   43. The method as described in clause 41, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge element to be    detachable from said base comprises the step of fabricating said    raised ridge element to be re-attachable to said base.-   44. The method as described in clause 43, or any other clause,    further comprising the step of fabricating said raised ridge element    to be repositionable on said base.-   45. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    further comprising configuring so the raised ridge element has a    centerline that lies substantially within the mid-sagittal plane of    a user of said pad.-   46. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    further comprising configuring so while said user of said pad is in    a seated position, said raised ridge applies a pressure to the    perineum of said user, said pressure sufficient to obstruct    involuntary urine flow through said urethra.-   47. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprises the    step of fabricating said raised ridge by adhering right and left    side portions of said base to each other.-   48. The method as described in clause 47, or any other clause,    further comprising the step of placing a portion of a cord along at    least a portion of said centerline of said base before performing    said step of fabricating said raised ridge.-   49. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprises the    step of fabricating said raised ridge so that, while said pad is    worn by a user, a posterior portion of said raised ridge is    established in the intergluteal cleft of said user.-   50. The method as described in clause 49, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating comprises the step of fabricating    said raised ridge so that a posterior end of said raised ridge    terminates in the intergluteal cleft, below the anus of a user when    said pad is worn by said user.-   51. The method as described in clause 50, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said base comprises the step of    fabricating said base so that said posterior end of said pad    terminates higher than does said posterior end of said raised ridge,    when said pad is worn by said user.-   52. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said base comprises the step of    fabricating said base from a first material and, or any other    clause, wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprises    the step of fabricating said raised ridge at least in part from said    first material.-   53. The method as described in clause 52, or any other clause,    wherein an inner, skin proximate portion of said base and an inner,    skin proximate portion of said raised ridge are different portions    of the same layered, sheet like material.-   54. The method as described in clause 53, or any other clause,    wherein said raised ridge comprising comparatively more rigid    support component that provides support for it.-   55. The method as described in clause 54, or any other clause,    wherein said comparatively more rigid support component is    established below said same layered, sheet like material.-   56. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprises the    step of fabricating a raised ridge that is a discrete component from    said base but that is attached to said base.-   57. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprises the    step of fabricating a raised ridge that is, at least in part, a    different portion of the same material that makes up at least part    of said base.-   58. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprises the    step of establishing as part of said raised ridge a comparatively    more rigid material that provides support for said raised ridge.-   59. The method as described in clause 58, or any other clause,    wherein said comparatively more rigid material comprises a material    selected from the group consisting of foam, plastic, cord and    cardboard.-   60. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprising the    step of fabricating said raised ridge to have a posterior end that    terminates below the anus of a user.-   61. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprising the    step of fabricating said raised ridge to have an anterior end that    terminates posteriorly of the scrotum of a user and substantially at    the anterior end of the perineum of said user.-   62. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprising the    step of fabricating said raised ridge to have a posterior end that    terminates within the intergluteal cleft of a user.-   63. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprising the    step of fabricating said raised ridge to have a cross-sectional    shape in a coronal plane when worn by a user—or any other clause,    wherein said cross-sectional shape is selected from the group of    shapes consisting of: triangular, half-circular disc shaped, block    shape and chamfered edge block shape.-   64. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprising the    step of fabricating said raised ridge to have a front end to rear    end length that is less than a front end to rear end length of a    typical length of said perineum.-   65. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprising the    step of fabricating said raised ridge to have a front end to rear    end length that is greater than a front end to rear end length of a    typical length of said perineum.-   66. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprising the    step of fabricating said raised ridge so that said raised ridge is    positioned on said base such that at least part of said raised ridge    is established under said perineum during use of said pad by said    user.-   67. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprising the    step of fabricating said raised ridge to apply a flow blocking    pressure to said urethra of said user during use of said pad by said    user, when said user is in a seated position.-   68. The method as described in clause 67, or any other clause,    wherein a height, shape and stiffness of said raised ridge are    sufficient to apply said flow blocking pressure to said urethra of    said user during use of said pad by said user, when said user is in    a seated position.-   69. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said step of fabricating said raised ridge comprising the    step of fabricating said raised ridge so that urethra pressure    affecting factors are sufficient to apply said flow blocking    pressure to said urethra of said user during use of said pad by said    user, when said user is in a non-seated position.-   70. The method as described in clause 40, or any other clause,    wherein said urethra pressure affecting factors are selected from    the group consisting of: raised ridge height, raised ridge shape,    raised ridge stiffness, tightness of clothing worn around said pad,    retention of said pad within an intergluteal cleft of said user.-   71. An incontinence pad comprising:    -   an absorbent pad base having an outer surface capable of being        established against clothing of a user when said pad is worn by        said user;    -   an inner surface that is on a side of said pad that is opposite        said outer surface; and    -   a cord forming part of and attached to said pad.-   72. An incontinence pad as described in clause 71, or any other    clause, wherein said inner surface is established against skin of    said human user when said incontinence pad is worn thereby.-   73. An incontinence pad as described in clause 71, or any other    clause, wherein said cord is attached along at least a portion of a    centerline defined by said incontinence pad.-   74. An incontinence pad as described in clause 71, or any other    clause, wherein said cord has a manually graspable portion.-   75. An incontinence pad as described in clause 74, or any other    clause, wherein said manually graspable cord portion is    substantially at a longitudinal end of said pad.-   76. An incontinence pad as described in clause 75, or any other    clause, wherein said manually graspable cord portion is    substantially at a posterior end of said pad.-   77. An incontinence pad as described in clause 74, or any other    clause, further comprising an additional cord portion attached to    said manually graspable cord portion and forming part of said cord,    at least part of said additional cord portion established between    said outer surface and said inner surface, and substantially along    at least part of a longitudinal pad centerline that lies    substantially within a mid-sagittal plane of said user when said    incontinence pad is worn thereby.-   78. An incontinence pad as described in clause 77, or any other    clause, wherein said additional cord portion is established between    said inner surface and said outer surface.-   79. An incontinence pad as described in clause 77, or any other    clause, wherein said additional cord portion is established    substantially along a longitudinal pad centerline that lies    substantially within a mid-sagittal plane of said user when said    incontinence pad is worn thereby.-   80. An incontinence pad as described in clause 74, or any other    clause, wherein at least a portion of said cord extends posteriorly    beyond a posterior end of said pad.-   81. An incontinence pad as described in clause 74 w, during wearing    of said pad, said at least a portion of said cord that extends    posteriorly extends upwardly posteriorly of said pad base.-   82. An incontinence pad as described in clause 74, or any other    clause, further comprising an additional cord portion established    proximal said manually graspable cord portion.-   83. An incontinence pad as described in clause 71, or any other    clause, wherein none of said cord extends posteriorly beyond a    posterior end of said pad.-   84. An incontinence pad as described in clause 71, or any other    clause, wherein said cord forms a loop.-   85. An incontinence pad as described in clause 84, or any other    clause, wherein said loop is substantially at a posterior end of    said cord.-   86. An incontinence pad as described in clause 85, or any other    clause, wherein said loop is manually graspable.-   87. An incontinence pad as described in clause 71, or any other    clause, further comprising bias element configured to act on said    cord.-   88. An incontinence pad as described in clause 87, or any other    clause, wherein said bias element biases said cord in a tensile    direction.-   89. An incontinence pad as described in clause 87, or any other    clause, wherein said bias element is part of said cord.-   90. An incontinence pad as described in clause 89, or any other    clause, wherein at least part of said cord is elastic.-   91. An incontinence pad as described in clause 87, or any other    clause, wherein said cord has a longitudinal front end and a    longitudinal rear end.-   92. An incontinence pad as described in clause 91, or any other    clause, wherein said bias element is substantially at one of said    ends.-   93. An incontinence pad as described in clause 91, or any other    clause, wherein both of said ends are attached to said pad.-   94. An incontinence pad as described in clause 71, or any other    clause, wherein said cord is attached to said pad at a cord    attachment site.-   95. An incontinence pad as described in clause 94, or any other    clause, wherein said cord attachment site is substantially at a    posterior end of said pad.-   96. An incontinence pad as described in clause 94, or any other    clause, wherein said cord attachment site is substantially at an    anterior end of said pad.-   97. An incontinence pad as described in clause 94, or any other    clause, wherein said cord attachment site is within a longitudinal    pad centerline that lies substantially within a mid-sagittal plane    of said user when said incontinence pad is worn thereby.-   98. An incontinence pad as described in clause 71, or any other    clause, wherein said cord is selected from the group consisting of    rope, twine, tether, cloth, nylon, fibrous material, cotton    material, absorbent material, mesh rope, elastic, rubber, and paper    cord.-   99. An incontinence pad as described in clause 71, or any other    clause, further comprising raised ridge established above part of    said base and having a surface that is established against at least    a portion of the perineum of said user when said incontinence pad is    worn by said user, said raised ridge itself defining a raised ridge    centerline that lies substantially within said mid-sagittal plane of    said user when said incontinence pad is worn by said human user.-   100. An incontinence pad as described in clause 99, or any other    clause, wherein said cord is attached to said raised ridge, within    said raised ridge.-   101. An incontinence pad as described in clause 99, or any other    clause, wherein said cord comprises a manually graspable portion and    an additional cord portion, or any other clause, wherein at least    part of said additional cord portion is established between said    outer surface and said inner surface, and substantially along at    least part of a longitudinal pad centerline that lies substantially    within a mid-sagittal plane of said user when said incontinence pad    is worn thereby.-   102. An incontinence pad as described in clause 101, or any other    clause, wherein at least part of said additional cord portion is    established substantially under said raised ridge.-   103. An incontinence pad as described in clause 101, or any other    clause, wherein at least part of said additional cord portion forms    at least part of said raised ridge.-   104. An incontinence pad as described in clause 103, or any other    clause, wherein said at least part of said additional cord portion    forms part of said raised ridge, and said at least part of said    additional cord portion forming part of said raised ridge is a    support for said raised ridge.-   105. An incontinence pad as described in clause 101, or any other    clause, wherein said additional cord portion is attached to said pad    at a cord attachment site.-   106. An incontinence pad as described in clause 105, or any other    clause, wherein said cord attachment site is at an end portion of    said pad.-   107. An incontinence pad as described in clause 101, or any other    clause, wherein said additional cord portion is between said inner    surface and said outer surface.-   108. An incontinence pad as described in clause 71, or any other    clause, further comprising a short length projection configured to    apply pressure to a urethra of said user.-   109. An incontinence pad as described in clause 108, or any other    clause, wherein said cord is attached to said short length    projection.-   110. An incontinence pad as described in clause 108, or any other    clause, wherein said cord is manually graspable.-   111. An incontinence pad as described in clause 108, or any other    clause, wherein said short length projection is substantially    frusto-conical shaped.-   112. A method to mitigate incontinence comprising the steps of:    -   establishing a pad having an absorbent pad base and an inner        surface;    -   establishing at least part of said inner surface adjacent a        perineum of said user; and    -   directionally biasing at least a portion of said pad by a cord        attached to and forming part of said pad.-   113. A method as described in clause 112, or any other clause,    wherein said step of directionally biasing comprises the step of    directionally biasing with a cord that is attached to said pad at a    cord attachment site.-   114. A method as described in clause 113, or any other clause,    wherein said cord attachment site is substantially at a posterior    end of said pad.-   115. A method as described in clause 113, or any other clause,    wherein said cord attachment site is substantially at an anterior    end of said pad.-   116. A method as described in clause 113, or any other clause,    wherein said cord attachment site is within a longitudinal pad    centerline that lies substantially within a mid-sagittal plane of    said user when said incontinence pad is worn thereby.-   117. A method as described in clause 112, or any other clause,    wherein said step of directionally biasing comprises the step of    directionally biasing with a cord that is attached along at least a    portion of a centerline defined by said incontinence pad.-   118. A method as described in clause 112, or any other clause,    wherein said step of directionally biasing comprises the step of    directionally biasing with a cord that has a manually graspable    portion.-   119. A method as described in clause 118, or any other clause,    wherein said manually graspable cord portion is substantially at a    longitudinal end of said pad.-   120. A method as described in clause 119, or any other clause,    further comprising an additional cord portion established between    said manually graspable cord portion and a cord end.-   121. A method as described in clause 118, or any other clause,    wherein said manually graspable cord portion is substantially at a    posterior end of said pad.-   122. A method as described in clause 118, or any other clause,    wherein said manually graspable cord portion forms a loop.-   123. A method as described in clause 122, or any other clause,    wherein said loop is substantially at a posterior end of said    manually graspable cord.-   124. A method as described in clause 118, or any other clause,    wherein said step of directionally biasing comprises the step of    directionally biasing with a cord that further comprises an    additional cord portion proximal said manually graspable cord, at    least part of said additional cord portion established between said    outer surface and said inner surface, and substantially along at    least part of a longitudinal pad centerline that lies substantially    within a mid-sagittal plane of said user when said incontinence pad    is worn thereby.-   125. A method as described in clause 124, or any other clause,    wherein said additional cord portion is established between said    inner surface and said outer surface.-   126. A method as described in clause 124, or any other clause,    wherein said additional cord portion is established substantially    along a longitudinal pad centerline that lies substantially within a    mid-sagittal plane of said user when said incontinence pad is worn    thereby.-   127. A method as described in clause 118, or any other clause,    wherein at least a part of said manually graspable cord portion    extends posteriorly beyond a posterior end of said pad.-   128. A method as described in clause 118, or any other clause,    wherein during wearing of said pad, said at least a part of said    manually graspable cord portion that extends posteriorly drapes    vertically downward posteriorly of said pad.-   129. A method as described in clause 112, or any other clause,    wherein none of said cord extends posteriorly beyond a posterior end    of said pad.-   130. A method as described in clause 112, or any other clause,    wherein said step of directionally biasing comprises the step of    directionally biasing at least in part through action of a bias    element that biases said cord in a tensile direction.-   131. A method as described in clause 130, or any other clause,    wherein said bias element is part of said cord.-   132. A method as described in clause 131, or any other clause,    wherein at least part of said cord is elastic.-   133. A method as described in clause 130, or any other clause,    wherein said cord has a longitudinal front end and a longitudinal    rear end.-   134. A method as described in clause 133, or any other clause,    wherein said bias element is substantially at one of said ends.-   135. A method as described in clause 133, or any other clause,    wherein both of said ends are attached to said pad.-   136. A method as described in clause 112, or any other clause,    wherein said cord is selected from the group consisting of rope,    twine, tether, cloth, nylon, fibrous material, cotton material,    absorbent material, mesh rope, elastic, rubber, and paper cord.-   137. A method as described in clause 112 a, or any other clause,    further comprising raised ridge established above part of said base    and having a surface that is established against at least a portion    of the perineum of said user when said incontinence pad is worn by    said user, said raised ridge itself defining a raised ridge    centerline that lies substantially within said mid-sagittal plane of    said user when said incontinence pad is worn by said human user.-   138. A method as described in clause 137, or any other clause,    wherein said cord is attached to said raised ridge.-   139. A method as described in clause 137, or any other clause,    wherein said cord comprises a manually graspable portion and an    additional cord portion, or any other clause, wherein at least part    of said additional cord portion is established between said outer    surface and said inner surface, and substantially along at least    part of a longitudinal pad centerline that lies substantially within    a mid-sagittal plane of said user when said incontinence pad is worn    thereby.-   140. A method as described in clause 139, or any other clause,    wherein at least part of said additional cord portion is established    substantially under said raised ridge.-   141. A method as described in clause 139, or any other clause,    wherein at least part of said additional cord portion forms at least    part of said raised ridge.-   142. A method as described in clause 139, or any other clause,    wherein said at least part of said additional cord portion forms    part of said raised ridge, and said at least part of said additional    cord portion forming part of said raised ridge is a support for said    raised ridge.-   143. A method as described in clause 139, or any other clause,    wherein said additional cord portion is between said inner surface    and said outer surface.-   144. A method as described in clause 112, or any other clause,    further comprising the step of configuring a short length projection    to apply pressure to a urethra of said user.-   145. A method as described in clause 144, or any other clause,    wherein said cord is attached to said short length projection.-   146. A method as described in clause 144, or any other clause,    wherein said short length projection is substantially frusto-conical    shaped.-   147. An incontinence pad comprising:    -   a base having an outer surface capable of being established        against clothing of a user when said incontinence pad is worn by        said user;    -   a targeted pressure element established above at least a portion        of said base; and    -   an absorbent established adjacent skin of said user when said        incontinence pad is worn by said user.-   148. An incontinence pad as described in clause 147, or any other    clause, wherein said targeted pressure element is a raised ridge-   149. An incontinence pad as described in clause 147, or any other    clause, wherein said targeted pressure element is an upward, short    length projection.-   150. An incontinence pad as described in clause 147, or any other    clause, wherein said targeted pressure element is configured to    pressure the urethra of a male.-   151. An incontinence pad as described in clause 150, or any other    clause, wherein said targeted pressure element is a raised ridge.-   152. An incontinence pad as described in clause 150, or any other    clause, wherein pressure effected by said targeted pressure element    acts transverse to a longitudinal axis of said urethra.-   153. An incontinence pad as described in clause 147, or any other    clause, wherein said targeted pressure element is configured to    pressure the urethra of a female.-   154. An incontinence pad as described in clause 153, or any other    clause, wherein said targeted pressure element is an upward, short    length projection.-   155. An incontinence pad as described in clause 153, or any other    clause, wherein pressure effected by said targeted pressure element    acts substantially along a longitudinal axis of said urethra.-   156. An incontinence pad as described in clause 153, or any other    clause, wherein said targeted pressure element is configured for    establishment directly below a urethral opening of a female wearing    said pad.-   157. A method to mitigate incontinence comprising the steps of:    -   establishing an absorbent pad in a genital area of a user;    -   creating a targeted pressure increase at a targeted location on        said user through action of said absorbent pad; and    -   absorbing at least a substantial portion of any emissions from        said user as a result of said incontinence within said absorbent        pad.-   158. A method as described in clause 157, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating a targeted pressure increase comprises    the step of creating a targeted pressure increase through action of    a raised ridge of said pad.-   159. A method as described in clause 157, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating a targeted pressure increase comprises    the step of creating a targeted pressure increase through action of    a upward, short length projection of said pad.-   160. A method as described in clause 157, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating a targeted pressure increase at a    targeted location comprises the step of creating a targeted pressure    increase at a perineum of a user.-   161. A method as described in clause 160, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating a targeted pressure increase comprises    the step of creating a targeted pressure increase to pressure on the    urethra of a male.-   162. A method as described in clause 160, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating a targeted pressure increase comprises    the step of creating a targeted pressure increase through action of    a raised ridge of said pad.-   163. A method as described in clause 160, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating a targeted pressure increase comprises    the step of creating a pressure that acts transverse to a    longitudinal axis of said urethra.-   164. A method as described in clause 157, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating a targeted pressure increase at a    targeted location comprises the step of creating a targeted pressure    increase at a urethral opening of a user.-   165. A method as described in clause 164, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating a targeted pressure increase comprises    the step of creating a targeted pressure increase to pressure the    urethral opening of a female.-   166. A method as described in clause 164, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating a targeted pressure increase comprises    the step of creating a targeted pressure increase through action of    an upward, short length projection of said pad.-   167. A method as described in clause 164, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating a targeted pressure increase comprises    the step of creating a pressure that acts substantially along a    longitudinal axis of said urethra.-   168. An incontinence pad comprising:    -   a pad comprising an absorbent pad base, said pad having an outer        surface capable of being established against clothing of a user        when said pad is worn by said user;    -   an inner surface of said pad, said inner surface opposite said        outer surface;    -   an urethral compressor attached to said pad along at least a        portion of said inner surface; and    -   an absorbent established adjacent skin of said user when said        incontinence pad is worn by said user.-   169. An incontinence pad as described in clause 168, or any other    clause, wherein said urethral compressor is a raised ridge.-   170. An incontinence pad as described in clause 168, or any other    clause, wherein said urethral compressor is an upward, short length    projection.-   171. An incontinence pad as described in clause 170, or any other    clause, wherein said upward, short length projection is    substantially frusto-conical shaped.-   172. An incontinence pad as described in clause 168, or any other    clause, wherein said urethral compressor is configured to pressure    the urethra of a male.-   173. An incontinence pad as described in clause 172, or any other    clause, wherein said urethral compressor is a raised ridge.-   174. An incontinence pad as described in clause 172, or any other    clause, wherein pressure effected by said urethral compressor acts    transverse to a longitudinal axis of said urethra.-   175. An incontinence pad as described in clause 168, or any other    clause, wherein said urethral compressor is configured to pressure    the urethra of a female.-   176. An incontinence pad as described in clause 175, or any other    clause, wherein said urethral compressor is an upward, short length    projection.-   177. An incontinence pad as described in clause 175, or any other    clause, wherein pressure effected by said urethral compressor acts    substantially along a longitudinal axis of said urethra.-   178. An incontinence pad as described in clause 168, or any other    clause, wherein said urethral compressor is configured for    establishment directly below a urethral opening of a female wearing    said pad.-   179. A method to mitigate incontinence comprising the steps of:    -   establishing an absorbent pad in a genital area of a user;    -   creating urethral compression at a location on said user through        action of said absorbent pad; and    -   absorbing at least a substantial portion of any emissions from        said user as a result of said incontinence within said absorbent        pad.-   180. A method as described in clause 179, or any other clause,    wherein said said step of creating urethral compression comprises    the step of creating urethral compression through action of a raised    ridge.-   181. A method as described in clause 179, or any other clause,    wherein said said step of creating urethral compression comprises    the step of creating urethral compression through action of a    upward, short length projection.-   182. A method as described in clause 179, or any other clause,    wherein said step of establishing an absorbent pad in a genital area    of a user comprises the step of establishing an absorbent pad in the    genital area of a male user.-   183. A method as described in clause 182, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating urethral compression at a location on    said user through action of said absorbent pad comprises the step of    creating urethral compression through action of a raised ridge.-   184. A method as described in clause 182, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating urethral compression at a location on    said user through action of said absorbent pad comprises the step of    creating urethral compression through action of an upward, short    length projection.-   185. A method as described in clause 182, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating urethral compression comprises the    step of creating urethral compression in a direction transverse to a    longitudinal axis of said urethra.-   186. A method as described in clause 182, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating urethral compression at a location    comprises the step of creating urethral compression up against the    urethra in the perineum area of said user.-   187. A method as described in clause 179, or any other clause,    wherein said step of establishing an absorbent pad in a genital area    of a user comprises the step of establishing an absorbent pad in the    genital area of a female user.-   188. A method as described in clause 187, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating urethral compression at a location on    said user through action of said absorbent pad comprises the step of    creating urethral compression through action of an upward, short    length projection.-   189. A method as described in clause 188, or any other clause,    wherein said upward, short length projection is configured for    establishment substantially below a urethral opening of said user.-   190. A method as described in clause 187, or any other clause,    wherein said step of creating urethral compression comprises the    step of creating urethral compression in a direction substantially    along a longitudinal axis of said urethra.-   191. An incontinence pad comprising:    -   an absorbent pad base, said pad base having an outer surface        capable of being established against clothing of a user when        said pad is worn by said user;    -   an inner surface of said pad, said inner surface opposite said        outer surface;    -   a nerve trigger element attached to and forming part of said pad        along at least a portion of said inner surface; and    -   an absorbent established adjacent skin of said user when said        incontinence pad is worn by said user.-   192. An incontinence pad as described in clause 191, or any other    clause, wherein said nerve trigger element is a raised ridge.-   193. An incontinence pad as described in clause 191, or any other    clause, wherein said nerve trigger comprises an upward, short length    projection.-   194. An incontinence pad as described in clause 191, or any other    clause, wherein said nerve trigger element affects a parasympathetic    nerve.-   195. An incontinence pad as described in clause 194, or any other    clause, wherein said nerve trigger element compresses a nerve.-   196. An incontinence pad as described in clause 195, or any other    clause, wherein said nerve trigger element compresses said nerve    during sitting by a user.-   197. An incontinence pad as described in clause 195, or any other    clause, wherein said nerve trigger element compresses said nerve via    pressure caused by tight fitting briefs.-   198. An incontinence pad as described in clause 191, or any other    clause, wherein said nerve trigger element effects tightening of a    urethral sphincter.-   199. An incontinence pad as described in clause 191, or any other    clause, wherein said nerve trigger element triggers a nerve upon    compressing said nerve.-   200. A method to mitigate incontinence comprising the steps of:    -   establishing an absorbent pad in a genital area of a user;    -   triggering at least one nerve reaction through action of said        absorbent pad; and    -   absorbing at least a substantial portion of any emissions from        said user as a result of said incontinence within said absorbent        pad.-   201. A method as described in clause 200, or any other clause,    wherein said step of triggering comprises the step of triggering at    least one nerve reaction through compressive action.-   202. A method as described in clause 201, or any other clause,    wherein said step of triggering at least one nerve reaction through    compressive action comprises the step of triggering at least one    nerve reaction through compressive action effected by a raised    ridge.-   203. A method as described in clause 201, or any other clause,    wherein said step of triggering at least one nerve reaction through    compressive action comprises the step of triggering at least one    nerve reaction through compressive action effected by an upward,    short length projection.-   204. A method as described in clause 201, or any other clause,    wherein said step of triggering comprises the step of triggering    through compressive action effected by sitting.-   205. A method as described in clause 201, or any other clause,    wherein said step of triggering comprises the step of triggering    through compressive action effected by tight fitting clothing worn    over said absorbent pad.-   206. A method as described in clause 200, or any other clause,    wherein said step of triggering at least one nerve reaction    comprises the step of triggering a parasympathetic nerve reaction.-   207. A method as described in clause 200, or any other clause,    wherein said step of triggering comprises the step of effecting    tightening of a urethral sphincter.-   208. An incontinence pad comprising:    -   an outer surface capable of being established against clothing        of a user when said pad is worn by said user, said pad also        defining a centerline;    -   an absorbent established adjacent skin of said user when said        pad is worn by said user; and    -   a substantially longitudinal absorbency separator configured        within at least a portion of said absorbent along said        centerline.-   209. An incontinence pad as described in clause 208, or any other    clause, wherein said substantially longitudinal absorbency separator    is established substantially in mid-sagittal plane of a wearer of    said pad.-   210. An incontinence pad as described in clause 208, or any other    clause, wherein said substantially longitudinal absorbency separator    is a liquid flow blocking wall.-   211. An incontinence pad as described in clause 208, or any other    clause, wherein said substantially longitudinal absorbency separator    is established from a posterior end of said pad to an anterior end    of said pad.-   212. An incontinence pad as described in clause 208, or any other    clause, wherein said substantially longitudinal absorbency separator    is established to prevent flow of released liquid from a right side    to a left side of said pad, and from a left side to a right side of    said pad, when said pad is worn by a user.-   213. An incontinence pad as described in clause 208, or any other    clause, wherein said substantially longitudinal absorbency separator    is structurally rigid.-   214. An incontinence pad as described in clause 208, or any other    clause, wherein said substantially longitudinal absorbency separator    is compressible.-   215. An incontinence pad as described in clause 208, or any other    clause, wherein said substantially longitudinal absorbency separator    is established as part of a raised ridge of said pad.-   216. An incontinence pad as described in clause 208, or any other    clause, wherein said pad comprises a raised ridge.-   217. An incontinence pad as described in clause 216, or any other    clause, wherein said substantially longitudinal absorbency separator    is established within said raised ridge.-   218. An incontinence pad as described in clause 216, or any other    clause, wherein said substantially longitudinal absorbency separator    is established below said raised ridge.-   219. An incontinence pad as described in clause 208, or any other    clause, wherein said pad comprises an upward, short length    projection.-   220. An incontinence pad as described in clause 219, or any other    clause, wherein said substantially longitudinal absorbency separator    is established below said upward, short length projection.-   221. An incontinence pad as described in clause 208, or any other    clause, wherein said substantially longitudinal absorbency separator    is established within said absorbent.-   222. An incontinence pad as described in clause 221, or any other    clause, wherein said substantially longitudinal absorbency separator    divides said absorbent into two sections.-   223. A method to mitigate incontinence comprising the steps of:    -   establishing a pad having a centerline in a genital area of a        user;    -   establishing an absorbent adjacent skin of said user;    -   absorbing at least a substantial portion of any emissions from        said user as a result of said incontinence within said        absorbent; and    -   substantially longitudinally separating absorption within said        absorbent along at least a portion of said centerline.-   224. A method as described in clause 223, or any other clause,    wherein said step of substantially longitudinally separating    absorption comprises the step of separating with a liquid flow    blocking wall.-   225. A method as described in clause 224, or any other clause,    wherein said step of separating with a liquid flow blocking wall    comprises the step of separating with a wall that is established    from a posterior end of said pad to an anterior end of said pad.-   226. A method as described in clause 224, or any other clause,    wherein said wall is structurally rigid.-   227. A method as described in clause 224, or any other clause,    wherein said wall is compressible.-   228. A method as described in clause 223, or any other clause,    wherein said step of substantially longitudinally separating    absorption comprises the step of preventing flow of released,    absorbed liquid from a right side to a left side of said pad, and    from a left side to a right side of said pad, when said pad is worn    by a user.-   229. A method as described in clause 223, or any other clause,    wherein said step of substantially longitudinally separating    absorption comprises the step of separating with a separator that    forms part of a raised ridge.-   230. A method as described in clause 223, or any other clause,    wherein said step of substantially longitudinally separating    absorption comprises the step of separating with a separator that    passes below a raised ridge.-   231. A method as described in clause 223, or any other clause,    wherein said step of substantially longitudinally separating    absorption comprises the step of separating with a separator that    passes through an upward, short length projection,-   232. A method as described in clause 223, or any other clause,    wherein said step of substantially longitudinally separating    absorption comprises the step of separating with a separator that    passes below an upward, short length projection.-   233. A method as described in clause 223, or any other clause,    wherein said step of substantially longitudinally separating    absorption comprises the step of separating with a separator that is    established within said absorbent-   234. An incontinence pad comprising:    -   an absorbent pad base, said absorbent pad base having an outer        surface capable of being established against clothing of a user        when said pad is worn by said user, said absorbent base having a        centerline;    -   an inner surface of said pad, said inner surface opposite said        outer surface; and    -   a substantially perpendicular structure attached to said pad and        forming a portion of said inner surface along said centerline.-   235. An incontinence pad as described in clause 234, or any other    clause, wherein said perpendicular structure is a raised ridge-   236. An incontinence pad as described in clause 234, or any other    clause, wherein said perpendicular structure has substantially    vertical sides when said pad is worn by a user.-   237. An incontinence pad as described in clause 234, or any other    clause, wherein said perpendicular structure has sides that are not    substantially vertical but instead slope upwards from said pad on    both right and left sides of said perpendicular structure.-   238. A method to mitigate incontinence comprising the steps of:    -   establishing a pad having an absorbent pad base and an inner        surface in a genital area of a user;    -   establishing a portion of said inner surface adjacent a perineum        of said user; and    -   interposing a substantially perpendicular structure along at        least a portion of said inner surface in the vicinity of at        least a portion of said perineum of said user.-   239. A method as described in clause 238, or any other clause,    wherein said step of interposing a substantially perpendicular    structure comprises the step of interposing a raised ridge.-   240. A method as described in clause 238, or any other clause,    wherein said step of interposing a substantially perpendicular    structure comprises the step of interposing a perpendicular    structure that has substantially vertical sides when said pad is    worn by a user.-   241. A method as described in clause 238, or any other clause,    wherein said step of interposing a substantially perpendicular    structure comprises the step of interposing a perpendicular    structure that has sides that are not substantially vertical but    instead slope upwards from said pad on both right and left sides of    said perpendicular structure.-   242. An incontinence pad comprising:    -   a primary fluid retention element having an outer surface        capable of being established against clothing of a user when        said incontinence pad is worn by said user, said primary        retention element having a centerline;    -   a locationally separate secondary fluid retention element        established adjacent said user on at least a portion of said        centerline; and    -   an inner surface opposite said outer surface capable of being        established adjacent skin of said user when said incontinence        pad is worn by said user.-   243. An incontinence pad as described in clause 242, or any other    clause, wherein said locationally separate secondary fluid retention    element is at least part of a raised ridge absorbent.-   244. An incontinence pad as described in clause 242, or any other    clause, wherein said locationally separate secondary fluid retention    element is at least part of an upward, short length projection.-   245. An incontinence pad as described in clause 242, or any other    clause, wherein said locationally separate secondary fluid retention    element defines a centerline that is established substantially along    at least a portion of a longitudinal centerline defined by said pad.-   246. An incontinence pad as described in clause 242, or any other    clause, wherein said locationally separate secondary fluid retention    element defines a centerline that is established within a sagittal    plane of a wearer of said pad.-   247. An incontinence pad as described in clause 242, or any other    clause, wherein said locationally separate secondary fluid retention    element is established between said base fluid retention element and    skin of a wearer of said pad.-   248. An incontinence pad as described in clause 242, or any other    clause, wherein said primary fluid retention element is divided into    substantially two halves by a substantially longitudinal absorbency    separator.-   249. An incontinence pad as described in clause 242, or any other    clause, wherein said primary fluid retention element comprises a    base fluid retention element.-   250. An incontinence pad as described in clause 242, or any other    clause, further comprising a fluidic communicator established to    fluidically communicate said primary fluid retention element with    said locationally separate secondary fluid retention element.-   251. A method to mitigate incontinence comprising the steps of:    -   retaining fluid within a primary fluid retention element        positioned substantially at a genital area of a user; and    -   locationally separately secondarily retaining fluid adjacent        said user.-   252. A method as described in clause 251, or any other clause,    wherein said step of retaining fluid within a primary fluid    retention element comprises the step of retaining fluid within a pad    base absorbent or a raised ridge absorbent.-   253. A method as described in clause 251, or any other clause,    wherein said step of locationally separately secondarily retaining    fluid adjacent said user comprises the step of retaining fluid    within a raised ridge absorbent or a pad base absorbent.-   254. A method as described in clause 251, or any other clause,    wherein said step of locationally separately secondarily retaining    fluid adjacent said user comprises the step of retaining fluid    within a pad cup portion that is established towards the front of    said pad.-   255. A method as described in clause 251, or any other clause,    further comprising the step of separating absorbed fluid into right    and left fluid retention portions.-   256. A method as described in clause 255, or any other clause,    wherein said right and left fluid retention portions are of said pad    base absorbent.-   257. A method as described in clause 255, or any other clause,    wherein said right and left fluid retention portions are of said    raised ridge absorbent.-   258. A method as described in clause 251, or any other clause,    wherein said step of locationally separately secondarily retaining    fluid adjacent said user comprises the step of locationally    separately secondarily retaining fluid within a locationally    separate secondary fluid retention element.-   259. A method as described in clause 258, or any other clause,    further comprising the step of fluidically communicating said    primary fluid retention element with said locationally separate    secondary fluid retention element.-   260. An incontinence pad comprising:    -   a pad base retention element having an outer surface capable of        being established against clothing of a user when said        incontinence pad is worn by said user, said pad base retention        element having a centerline;    -   a separate perineum retention element established above part of        said primary retention element along at least a portion of said        centerline; and    -   an inner surface opposite said outer surface capable of being        established adjacent skin of said user when said incontinence        pad is worn by said user.-   261. An incontinence pad as described in clause 260, or any other    clause, wherein said separate perineum retention element comprises a    urethral compressor.-   262. An incontinence pad as described in clause 260, or any other    clause, wherein said separate perineum retention element comprises a    raised ridge.-   263. An incontinence pad as described in clause 260, or any other    clause, wherein said separate perineum retention element comprises a    targeted pressure element.-   264. A method to mitigate incontinence comprising the steps of:    -   retaining fluid within a primary retention element positioned at        a genital area of a user; and    -   separately secondarily retaining at least a portion of said        fluid.-   265. A method as described in clause 264, or any other clause,    further comprising the step of compressing a urethra of said user.-   266. A method as described in clause 265, or any other clause,    wherein said step of compressing a urethra of said user comprises    the step of compressing said urethra with said primary retention    element.-   267. An incontinence pad comprising:    -   an absorbent pad base, said pad having an outer surface capable        of being established against clothing of a user when said pad is        worn by said user and defining a centerline;    -   an inner surface on a side of said pad that is opposite said        outer surface; and    -   a short length projection along at least a portion of said        centerline and configured for positioning at a location below a        urethra of said user user to mitigate at least some effects of        incontinence.-   268. An incontinence pad as described in clause 267, or any other    clause, wherein said short length projection is substantially    frusto-conical shaped.-   269. An incontinence pad as described in clause 267, or any other    clause, wherein said short length projection is an upward, short    length projection.-   270. An incontinence pad as described in clause 267, or any other    clause, wherein said short length projection is configured for    positioning at a location below a urethral opening of said user.-   271. An incontinence pad as described in clause 270, or any other    clause, wherein said user is female.-   272. An incontinence pad as described in clause 267, or any other    clause, wherein said short length projection is configured for    positioning at a location below a urethra as it passes above a    perineum of said user.-   273. An incontinence pad as described in clause 272, or any other    clause, wherein said user is male.-   274. An incontinence pad as described in clause 267, or any other    clause, wherein said short length projection is configured to apply    pressure to said urethra.-   275. An incontinence pad as described in clause 274, or any other    clause, wherein said pressurization occurs during sitting by said    user.-   276. An incontinence pad as described in clause 274, or any other    clause, wherein said pressurization is effected at least in part by    briefs.-   277. An incontinence pad as described in clause 276, or any other    clause, wherein said briefs are tight fitting.-   278. An incontinence pad as described in clause 274, or any other    clause, wherein said pressurization is effected at least in part by    the effect of a cord attached to said short length projection.-   279. An incontinence pad as described in clause 267, or any other    clause, wherein said short length projection is substantially    frustoconical or conical in shape.-   280. An incontinence pad as described in clause 267, or any other    clause, wherein said short length projection is substantially    cylindrical in shape.-   281. An incontinence pad as described in clause 267, or any other    clause, wherein said short length projection is substantially    pyramidal in shape.-   282. An incontinence pad as described in clause 267, or any other    clause, wherein said short length projection is established atop a    raised ridge.-   283. An incontinence pad as described in clause 267, or any other    clause, wherein said short length projection is repositionable on    said absorbent pad base.-   284. An incontinence pad as described in clause 283, or any other    clause, wherein said short length projection is repositionable on    said absorbent pad base with a hook and loop fastener.-   285. An incontinence pad as described in clause 267, or any other    clause, wherein said short length projection is an upward, short    length projection.-   286. A method to mitigate incontinence comprising the steps of:    -   manufacturing a pad to have an absorbent pad base and an inner        surface in a genital area of a user;    -   manufacturing a short length projection so that it is adjacent a        urethra of said user during wearing of said pad thereby; and    -   absorbing at least a substantial portion of any emissions from        said user as a result of said incontinence within said absorbent        pad base.-   287. A method as described in clause 286, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection    comprises the step of establishing an upward, short length    projection.-   288. A method as described in clause 287, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection    comprises the step of establishing a substantially frusto-conically    shaped projection.-   289. A method as described in clause 286, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection    adjacent a urethra comprises the step of manufacturing said short    length projection for positioning at a location below a urethral    opening of said user.-   290. A method as described in clause 289, or any other clause,    wherein said user is female.-   291. A method as described in clause 286, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection    adjacent a urethra comprises the step of manufacturing said short    length projection for positioning at a location below a urethra as    it passes above a perineum of said user.-   292. A method as described in clause 291, or any other clause,    wherein said user is male.-   293. A method as described in clause 286, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection    comprises the step of step of manufacturing a short length    projection to apply pressure to said urethra.-   294. A method as described in clause 293, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection to    apply pressure to said urethra comprises the step of manufacturing    said short length projection to apply said pressure during sitting    by said user.-   295. A method as described in clause 293, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection to    apply pressure to said urethra comprises the step of manufacturing    said short length projection to apply said pressure that is effected    at least in part by briefs.-   296. A method as described in clause 295, or any other clause,    wherein said briefs are tight fitting.-   297. A method as described in clause 293, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection to    apply pressure to said urethra comprises the step of manufacturing    said short length projection to effect said pressure, or any other    clause, wherein said pressure is effected at least in part through    operation a cord attached to said short length projection.-   298. A method as described in clause 286, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection    comprises the step of manufacturing a short length projection that    is substantially frustoconical in shape.-   299. A method as described in clause 286, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection    comprises the step of manufacturing a short length projection that    is substantially cylindrical in shape.-   300. A method as described in clause 286, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection    comprises the step of manufacturing a short length projection that    is substantially conical in shape.-   301. A method as described in clause 286, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection    comprises the step of manufacturing a short length projection that    is substantially pyramidal in shape.-   302. A method as described in clause 286, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection    comprises the step of manufacturing a short length projection that    is repositionable on said absorbent pad base.-   303. A method as described in clause 302, or any other clause,    wherein said step of manufacturing a short length projection that is    repositionable on said absorbent pad base comprises the step of    manufacturing a short length projection that is repositionable via    hook and loop fastener.-   304. An incontinence pad comprising:    -   a compressible support area absorbent portion having an outer        surface capable of being established against clothing of a user        when said incontinence pad is worn by said user and an inner        surface capable of being established against a skin surface of        said user when said incontinence pad is worn by said user;    -   an overflow absorbent portion established adjacent said        compressible support area absorbent portion;    -   a fluidic communicator fluidically connecting said compressible        support area absorbent portion and said overflow absorbent        portion; and    -   a connection element connecting said compressible support area        absorbent portion and said overflow absorbent portion.-   305. An incontinence pad as described in clause 304, or any other    clause, wherein said overflow absorbent portion comprises an    intergluteal cleft area absorbent portion.-   306. An incontinence pad as described in clause 304, or any other    clause, wherein said overflow absorbent portion comprises a perineum    area absorbent portion.-   307. An incontinence pad as described in clause 304, or any other    clause, wherein said fluidic communicator is fluid permeable.-   308. An incontinence pad as described in clause 307, or any other    clause, wherein said fluidic communicator comprises a material    selected from the group consisting of: cotton, fibrous material,    cloth, layered material, synthetic material and natural material.-   309. An incontinence pad as described in clause 307, or any other    clause, wherein said fluidic communicator is absorbent.-   310. An incontinence pad as described in clause 304, or any other    clause, wherein said compressible support area absorbent portion is    compressed when a user of said pad sits on a surface.-   311. An incontinence pad as described in clause 304, or any other    clause, wherein said fluidic communicator is configured to allow    passage of at least some fluid absorbed in said compressible support    area absorbent portion from said compressible support area absorbent    portion to said overflow absorbent portion.-   312. An incontinence pad as described in clause 311, or any other    clause, wherein fluid so passed is overflow of said compressible    support area absorbent portion.-   313. An incontinence pad as described in clause 311, or any other    clause, wherein said fluidic communicator allows for two-way fluid    passage.-   314. An incontinence pad as described in clause 304, or any other    clause, wherein said connection element comprises a connector    selected from the group consisting of: integral connector, fibrous    connector, thread connector, stitching connector and adhesive    connector.-   315. An incontinence pad as described in clause 304, or any other    clause, wherein said connection element connects said compressible    support area absorbent portion and said overflow absorbent portion    at only a portion of said overflow absorbent portion.-   316. An incontinence pad as described in clause 304, or any other    clause, wherein said connection element connects said compressible    support area absorbent portion and said overflow absorbent portion    along an entire length of said overflow absorbent portion.-   317. An incontinence pad as described in clause 304, or any other    clause, wherein said overflow absorbent portion comprises a raised    ridge.-   318. An incontinence pad as described in clause 304, or any other    clause, wherein said overflow absorbent portion comprises an upward    projection.-   319. An incontinence pad as described in clause 304, or any other    clause, wherein said compressible support area absorbent portion and    said overflow absorbent portion are both fluid retentive.-   320. A method to mitigate fluid leakage from an incontinence pad,    said pad defining an enclosed space between said pad and skin of a    wearer of said pad, said method comprising the steps of:    -   retaining fluid within a compressible support area absorbent        portion positioned at a genital area of a user;    -   establishing an overflow absorbent portion adjacent said        compressible support area absorbent portion; and    -   mitigating through action of said overflow absorbent portion, a        tendency of said compressible support area absorbent portion to        expel some of said retained fluid from said enclosed space upon        compression of said compressible support area absorbent portion.-   321. A method as described in clause 320, or any other clause,    wherein said step of mitigating comprises the step of conveying said    some of said retained fluid from said compressible support area    absorbent portion to said overflow absorbent portion.-   322. A method as described in clause 321, or any other clause,    wherein said step of conveying occurs when external pressure is    applied to said compressible support area absorbent portion.-   323. A method as described in clause 322, or any other clause,    wherein said external pressure is applied when said wearer of said    pad sits down.-   324. A method as described in clause 321, or any other clause,    wherein said step of conveying comprises the step of conveying said    some of said retained fluid during overflow from said compressible    support area absorbent portion.-   325. A method as described in clause 321, or any other clause,    wherein said step of conveying comprises the step of conveying said    said some of said retained fluid through a fluidic communicator    fluidically connecting said compressible support area absorbent    portion and said overflow absorbent portion.-   326. A method as described in clause 221, or any other clause,    further comprising the step of retaining said expelled fluid in said    overflow absorbent portion.-   327. A method as described in clause 320, or any other clause,    wherein said step of establishing an overflow absorbent portion    comprises the step of establishing a intergluteal cleft area    absorbent portion.-   328. A method as described in clause 320, or any other clause,    wherein said step of establishing an overflow absorbent portion    comprises the step of establishing a perineum area absorbent    portion.-   329. A method as described in clause 320, or any other clause,    wherein said step of establishing an overflow absorbent portion    comprises the step of establishing a raised ridge absorbent portion.-   330. A method as described in clause 320, or any other clause,    wherein said step of establishing an overflow absorbent portion    comprises the step of establishing a projection absorbent portion.-   331. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein an    outer surface of said pad comprises a liquid impermeable outer    surface.-   332. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein an    inner surface of said pad comprises a one-way liquid impermeable    inner surface.-   333. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein a    base of said pad comprises a liquid absorbent material.-   334. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein    said pad, when not in use and when placed such that its outer    surface is on a lower supporting surface, when viewed from above,    has a triangular shape, or any other clause, wherein said triangle    defines a vertex and a base.-   335. A pad as described in clause 334, or any other clause, wherein    when said pad is worn by a user, said vertex of said triangular pad    shape is towards a posterior side of said user, and said base of    said triangular pad shape is towards an anterior side of said user.-   336. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein    said pad, when not in use and when placed such that its outer    surface is on a lower supporting surface, when viewed from the side,    has a curved shape in at least one section thereof.-   337. A pad as described in clause 336, or any other clause, wherein    said pad, when not in use and when placed such that its outer    surface is on a lower supporting surface, when viewed from the side,    has a hammock shape.-   338. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein    said pad, during use thereof by a user, extends from above the    coccyx to above the pubic symphysis.-   339. A pad as described in clause 338, or any other clause, wherein    said pad extends from above the sacrum to above the pubic symphysis.-   340. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, further    comprising a raised ridge.-   341. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, further    comprising a cord forming part of and attached to said pad.-   342. A pad as described in clause 341, or any other clause, wherein    said cord comprises a manually graspable portion.-   343. A pad as described in clause 341, or any other clause, further    comprising a bias element.-   344. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, further    comprising a projection.-   345. A pad as described in clause 344, or any other clause, wherein    said projection is a raised ridge.-   346. A pad as described in clause 344, or any other clause, wherein    said projection, during wearing of said pad, is below a urethra.-   347. A pad as described in clause 346, or any other clause, wherein    said projection, during wearing of said pad, is below a urethral    opening.-   348. A pad as described in clause 347, or any other clause, wherein    said projection is substantially frusto-conically shaped.-   349. A pad as described in clause 347, or any other clause, wherein    said projection is an upward, short length projection.-   350. A pad as described in clause 346, or any other clause, wherein    said projection is below a perineum of said user during wearing of    said pad.-   351. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, further    comprising a targeted pressure element.-   352. A pad as described in clause 351, or any other clause, wherein    said targeted pressure element comprises a projection.-   353. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, further    comprising a urethral compression-   354. A pad as described in clause 353, or any other clause, wherein    said urethral compressor operates to apply a force that acts in a    direction that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the urethra.-   355. A pad as described in clause 353, or any other clause, wherein    said urethral compressor operates to apply a force that is parallel    to a longitudinal axis of the urethra.-   356. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, further    comprising a nerve trigger element.-   357. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, further    comprising a substantially longitudinal absorbency separator.-   358. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, further    comprising a perpendicular structure.-   359. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, further    comprising a locationally separate secondary fluid retention    element.-   360. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, further    comprising a primary retention element a separate perineum retention    element.-   361. A pad as described in any of the preceding clauses, further    comprising a compressible support area absorbent portion, a bodily    area absorbent portion established adjacent said compressible    support area absorbent portion, and a connection element connecting    said compressible support area absorbent portion and said bodily    area absorbent portion.-   362. A pad as described in clause 361, or any other clause, further    comprising a fluidic communication element configured to fluidically    connect said two portions.-   363. A method as described in any of the preceding method clauses,    further comprising the step of manually grasping a manually    graspable cord portion of a cord attached to said pad.-   364. A method as described in clause 363, or any other clause,    further comprising step of applying localized pressure to the    perineum of said user at least partially through use of said raised    ridge of said pad is achieved, at least in part, through performance    of the step of manually grasping a manually graspable cord attached    to said pad.-   365. A method as described in any of the preceding method clauses,    further comprising step of establishing a raised ridge adjacent a    perineum of a user.-   366. A method as described in any of the preceding method clauses,    further comprising the step of established a projection adjacent a    perineum of a user.-   367. A method as described in any of the preceding method clauses,    further comprising step of establishing a projection adjacent a    urethral opening of a user.-   368. A method as described in any of the preceding method clauses,    further comprising step of directionally biasing at least a portion    of the pad with a cord that is attached to the pad at a cord    attachment site.-   369. A method as described in any of the preceding method clauses,    further comprising step of creating urethral compression art a    location on the user.-   370. A method as described in any of the preceding method clauses,    or any other clause, further comprising the step of triggering at    least one nerve reaction through action of the pad.-   371. A method as described in any of the preceding method clauses,    or any other clause, further comprising the step of substantially    longitudinally separating absorption within an absorbent.-   372. A method as described in any of the preceding method clauses,    or any other clause, further comprising the step of interposing a    substantially perpendicular structure along at least a portion of    the inner surface of the pad.-   373. A method as described in clause 372, or any other clause,    wherein said interposing a substantially perpendicular structure    comprises the step of interposing a substantially perpendicular    structure in the vicinity of a perineum of the pad wearer.-   374. A method as described in clause 372, or any other clause,    wherein said interposing a substantially perpendicular structure    comprises the step of interposing a substantially perpendicular    structure in the vicinity of a urethral opening of the pad wearer.-   375. A method as described in any of the preceding method clauses,    further comprising the step of locationally separately secondarily    retaining fluid adjacent the user.-   376. A method as described in any of the preceding method clauses,    or any other clause, further comprising the step of separately    secondarily retaining fluid within a perineum of the user.-   377. A method as described in any of the preceding method clauses,    further comprising the step of manufacturing a short length    projection so that it is adjacent a urethra of the pad user during    wearing of the pad thereby.-   378. A method as described in any of the preceding method clauses,    further comprising the step of mitigating, through action of an    overflow absorbent portion, a tendency of the compressible support    area absorbent portion to expel some of the retained fluid from the    enclosed space between the pad and the user skin upon compression of    the compressible support area absorbent portion.

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved incontinence apparatus comprising: base material forming a base that has an outer surface capable of being established proximate clothing of a user when said incontinence apparatus is worn by said user, with said base having a centerline; a raised ridge established above at least part of said base on at least a portion of said centerline, an inner surface capable of being established adjacent tissue of said user when said incontinence apparatus is worn by said user; and a cord have a manually graspable portion, and a remaining cord portion, wherein said raised ridge comprises base material that is folded around, and adhesively secured around, at least a portion of said remaining cord portion, and wherein said apparatus is configured so that, when said user grasps and upwardly pulls said manually graspable portion of said cord, an upward force on said cord is transferred to said raised ridge to: provide a targeted, localized pressure from a first portion of said raised ridge against a urethra of said user sufficient to substantially block urine flow through said urethra so as to mitigate incontinence, and secure a different, rearward portion of said raised ridge in an intergluteal cleft of said user to maintain said targeted, localized pressure, wherein said first portion of said raised ridge has a height, shape, and stiffness, and is small enough, in width in a coronal plane cross-section, to provide said targeted, localized pressure against said urethra when said incontinence apparatus is worn by said user upon application of said upward force on said cord by said user.
 2. An improved incontinence apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said user is a female user.
 3. An improved incontinence apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said user is a male user.
 4. An improved incontinence apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said first portion of said raised ridge is higher above said base than is said different, rearward portion of said raised ridge.
 5. An improved incontinence apparatus as described in claim 1, further comprising an overflow absorbent portion.
 6. An improved incontinence apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said raised ridge comprises base material that is folded around, and adhesively secured around, at least a portion of said remaining cord portion, so that surfaces of said base material are adhesively secured to each other. 